Background/Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a 4.1-year (range 3-6 years) lifestyle intervention according to general public health recommendations on glucose tolerance and dropout in a Dutch population with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Subjects/Methods: In the Study on Lifestyle intervention and Impaired glucose tolerance Maastricht, 147 Caucasian IGT subjects were randomized to an intervention group (INT: n ¼ 74; 38 male, 36 female) and control group (CON: n ¼ 73; 37 male, 36 female). Annually, subjects underwent measurements of body weight, anthropometry, glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance), maximal aerobic capacity (VO 2 max), blood lipids and blood pressure. INT received individual advice regarding a healthy diet and physical activity. Results: INT decreased their saturated fat intake, increased their carbohydrate intake (Po0.05) and VO 2 max (P ¼ 0.04) compared with CON. Body weight did not change significantly (P ¼ 0.20) between the groups. After an initial decrease, 2-h glucose levels overall increased in INT ( þ 0.11 mmol/l), but significantly less than CON ( þ 1.18 mmol/l; P ¼ 0.04). Diabetes incidence was lower in INT versus CON (30 versus 56%, P ¼ 0.04). Change in body weight was associated with change in 2-h glucose levels (b ¼ 0.399 mmol/l per kg, P ¼ 0.02). Dropouts had a lower aerobic fitness and socioeconomic status, and a higher body mass index (BMI) and 2-h glucose compared with non-dropouts. Conclusions: Prolonged feasible changes in diet and physical activity prevent deterioration of glucose tolerance and reduce diabetes risk. Low socioeconomic status, low aerobic fitness and high BMI and 2-h glucose are indicative of dropout to the program.