A lifestyle intervention study in patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance: translation of a research intervention into practice.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to translate a research-validated lifestyle modification curriculum of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) into a community-based program delivered by trained graduate students on a university campus and determine whether this delivery approach is effective in lowering risk factors of type 2 diabetes in at-risk adults.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 29 prediabetic or type 2 diabetic patients completed a 12-month behavior modification intervention to achieve and maintain at least 7% weight loss and become more active. Changes in weight, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, metabolic biomarkers, physical activity levels, and medication were assessed.


RESULTS
At 6 and 12 months, 39% and 56% of patients had lost > or =5% of their weight. The mean weight loss at 12 months was 6%. Significant improvements were noted in most other anthropometric measurements and diastolic BP (-4.1 mm Hg). Significant reductions in total cholesterol (-11.7%), LDL-C (-7.6%), and HDL-C (-6.5%) were observed by 6 months but not at 12 months. Fasting glucose (-12%), systolic BP (-8.4 mm Hg), and diastolic BP (-7.0 mm Hg) were significantly improved in a subgroup of participants with at least 5% weight loss. HbA1c levels were associated with percentage weight loss. Twenty-seven percent of participants on diabetes medication had their drug discontinued.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight-related findings of this study are comparable with those of the DPP. DPP curriculum implemented in a nonclinical setting can help some adults at-risk for or in early stages of diabetes improve anthropometric and certain metabolic outcomes.
Matvienko
Oksana A
OA
School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0241, USA. oksana.matvienko@uni.edu
Hoehns
James D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D003479:Curriculum; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior