Self-regulation and weight reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot intervention study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a self-regulation (SR) weight reduction intervention on weight, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (primary outcomes), exercise, nutrition and quality of life (secondary outcomes).


METHODS
A pilot intervention (n=53) based on SR-principles consisted of a motivational interview, group sessions and a workbook and was evaluated against standard care with (n=38) and without a self-help manual (n=38). Subjects were overweight (BMI>27) patients with type 2 diabetes (52% female) from a Dutch hospital (mean age 58.14, S.D.=8.86).


RESULTS
No differences in the outcomes were found between the intervention and control groups at 3 (T2) or 6 (T3) months. However, results at T2 and T3 revealed that patients with higher SR-skills scores had lower HbA1c levels than patients with lower scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The SR-intervention did not significantly influence the outcomes. This apparent lack of effect might, however, partly be due to high attrition rates in all treatment groups. SR-skills were positively related to changes in HbA1c-levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving SR-skills of overweight diabetes type 2 patients may improve their glycemic control. Patients who are 'external regulators' may however profit more from directive than from SR-interventions.
Huisman
Sasja
S
Leiden University, The Netherlands. shuisman@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
de Gucht
Véronique
V
Maes
Stan
S
Schroevers
Maya
M
Chatrou
Marlène
M
Haak
Harm
H
D000328:Adult; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009426:Netherlands; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D015431:Weight Loss