The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) score and diabetes risk in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS)

Authors

Marissa M Shams-White
Ashley H Tjaden
Sharon L Edelstein
Sarah Bassiouni
Lisa L Kahle
Catherine Kim
Xavier Pi-Sunyer
Karla A Temple
Elizabeth M Venditti
Jill Reedy
Brandy M Heckman-Stoddard

Publication Date

9-21-2022

Journal

BMC Nutrition

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) 3rd expert report highlights up-to-date Cancer Prevention Recommendations that may reduce burdens of many chronic diseases, including diabetes. This study examined if following a lifestyle that aligns with the recommendations - assessed via the 2018 WCRF/AICR Score - was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults participating in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS).

METHODS: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) randomized adults at high risk for diabetes to receive a lifestyle intervention (ILS), metformin (MET) or a placebo (PLB) (mean: 3.2 years), with additional follow-up in DPPOS for 11 years (mean: 15 years total). 2018 WCRF/AICR Scores included seven components: body weight, physical activity, plant-based foods, fast foods, red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol; the optional breastfeeding component was excluded. Scores ranged 0-7 points (with greater scores indicating greater alignment with the recommendations) and were estimated at years 0, 1, 5, 6, 9, and 15 (N=3,147). Fasting glucose and HbA1c were measured every six months and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed annually. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine the association of both Score changes from years 0-1 and time-dependent Score changes on diabetes risk through DPP and year 15.

RESULTS: Scores improved within all groups over 15 years (p

CONCLUSIONS: Score improvements were associated with long-term, lower diabetes risk among high-risk adults randomized to ILS and PLB, but not MET. Future research should explore impact of the Score on cancer risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Diabetes Prevention Program: NCT00004992 ; Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study: NCT00038727.

Keywords

Alcohol, Diet, Disease prevention, Obesity, Physical activity, Weight