HONOLULU -- A landmark study conducted by researchers in Hawaii offers hope to everyone with the risk of diabetes.

Doctors said the study has tremendous public health implications.

Pierre Kleiber and Derek Salis were both diagnosed as being at risk for diabetes 10 years ago. They, and several thousand others, have been taking part in a study to test the drug Metformin and diet and lifestyle changes.

The results have been dramatic, researchers said.

"The fact that we can prevent diabetes is really a story on its own. We can do it with relatively modest effort weight loss increased activity doesn't cost a lot of money and we have demonstrated it for the last 10 years," head investigator Dr. Richard Arakaki said.

Kleiber started on Metformin, but also modified his diet and began exercising. He said he feels honored to be part of such an important study.

"The staff in this program are continually thanking us profusely for continuing with the program. I'd like to turn the tables," he said laughing. "Well, I should be thanking them. It's such a privilege to be involved."

Salis said changing his diet was not that hard, but keeping the journal of everything he ate was difficult.

"We're blessed we became part of this program because we're helping ourselves, you know. Make no mistake about it, we are helping ourselves and if we end up helping others in the process. That's great," Salis said.

The study proves lifestyle changes and even modest weight loss go a long way toward preventing diabetes.

"If you lose 7 percent of your weight from baseline, you can reduce development of diabetes by 60 percent over a three- to four-year period," Arakaki said.

In the Hawaii portion of the study, there were 25 Asians, 21 Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders and nine Caucasians. The participants were also broken down by 25 males and 30 females.

The findings were published in the British Medical Journal Lancet. The study will continue for another five years.