"Everyone is a Candidate for Some Positive Lifestyle Change," Guideline Author Suggests

By Admin

16 Jul, 2025

In a time where chronic diseases are rapidly rising and healthy living feels more like a trend than a norm, one expert is here to remind us that the potential for positive change exists in every individual. In a recent interview with Patient Care©, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA lead author of the new guideline Lifestyle Interventions for Treatment and Remission of Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes in Adults delivered a powerful message: “I think everyone’s a candidate for some positive lifestyle change.”

A Nation in Need of Healthier Habits

The newly released clinical practice guideline, developed by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, primarily targets those dealing with or at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, Dr. Rosenfeld didn’t hesitate to emphasize a broader issue widespread poor nutrition and lack of physical activity across the United States.

While strides have been made in reducing smoking, he noted, nutrition and exercise habits remain far from ideal. “We’ve made a lot of progress with smoking, but there’s still room for improvement for everyone,” said Rosenfeld. This sentiment reflects a growing understanding that lifestyle changes can and should be accessible to all regardless of diagnosis.

Ideal Candidate? Think Duration, Not Just A1c

When asked if there’s an “ideal candidate” for lifestyle intervention, Rosenfeld pointed out that it’s less about hemoglobin A1c levels and more about how long someone has been living with type 2 diabetes.

“If someone has had type 2 diabetes for ten years and has a very high hemoglobin A1c, it’s probably going to be difficult to achieve full remission through lifestyle changes,” he explained. “But if it’s only been a few years even with a very high hemoglobin A1c if you can get that person properly engaged, there’s a real opportunity.”

Tailored Approaches for Better Outcomes

The guideline promotes a plant-forward nutritional approach, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. For those aiming for remission, Rosenfeld suggests starting with a more intensive strategy possibly a very low-calorie or liquid diet for a few weeks to jumpstart progress. From there, patients can transition into a more sustainable, whole-food, plant-predominant diet.

The intensity of the initial intervention is tailored to clinical goals. If remission is the objective, aggressive early changes may be necessary. But even outside the goal of remission, moderate lifestyle changes still offer incredible health benefits.

More Than Just Diabetes Management

What’s perhaps most encouraging about Dr. Rosenfeld’s insights is the universal appeal of lifestyle improvements. “Even setting diabetes aside, lifestyle improvements benefit your life, your vitality, your longevity, your cardiovascular health, your brain health,” he said. “You may not achieve full remission, but you can absolutely give it the best shot.”

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply aiming to live longer and better, lifestyle medicine has something to offer. No matter your age, background, or current health status, the message is clear: you are a candidate for positive change.

About Dr. Richard Rosenfeld

Dr. Rosenfeld is a distinguished professor of otolaryngology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and senior advisor for quality and guidelines for the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Board certified in both otolaryngology and lifestyle medicine, he brings a unique perspective that bridges clinical expertise with a holistic, preventive approach to healthcare.