The Role of Lifestyle in Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT It is unclear whether standard cardiac rehabilitation programs (i.e. moderate changes in diet and exercise) are of benefit to coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with diabetes. These patients not only tend to have more comorbidities, but are also less likely to be referred to such programs than CHD patients without diabetes. This report reviews the role and practicalities of lifestyle interventions in the secondary prevention of CHD in patients with diabetes, with a special focus on results from our 2 multisite comprehensive lifestyle change interventions.These interventions emphasize a very-low-fat, high-complex-carbohydrate diet, moderate exercise, stress management and group support. We conclude that participation in a multicomponent secondary prevention program employing the above interventions may be of benefit not only to CHD patients in general, but in particular to those with CHD and diabetes.