Feasibility and efficiency of indirect lifestyle interventions in offspring of type 2 diabetic patients.
BACKGROUND
Individuals genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes represent an important target for preventive strategies. Genetic screening, based on information about individual genetic variants, will be possible technically, but translational research in this field is still insufficient. Family history thus represents a useful tool for detecting genetically high-risk populations in this post-genomic era.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of indirect lifestyle interventions in offspring of type 2 diabetic patients.


METHODS
Offspring were recruited from 74 diabetic (Group 1) and 39 non-diabetic (Group 2, control group) patients. A lifestyle intervention was conducted by mail, a total of 3 times, every 3 months. Lifestyle related to diet and physical activity was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire.


RESULTS
Ten offspring of type 2 diabetic and 6 of non-diabetic patients participated in this study. Total energy intake decreased after 3 interventions in both of the groups (Group 1: 305 ± 228.8 kcal/day, p = 0.004; Group 2: 82 ± 65.6 kcal/day, p = 0.04); however, the effect of intervention was significantly greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p = 0.021). Physical activity and other physical outcomes were stable in normal levels during the study period in both of the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention program helped to reduce total energy intake in offspring of type 2 diabetic patients more than in the control group, but the acceptance rate of the intervention program was disappointingly low. Further consideration is required to access and motivate offspring to develop precautionary lifestyle principles.
Nishigaki
M
M
The Graduate School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences and Nursing, Department of Adult Nursing/Palliative Care Nursing, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. nishigaki-tky@umin.ac.jp
Ota
A
A
Kusakabe
T
T
Matsuzaki
C
C
Taguchi
S
S
Kazuma
K
K
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012306:Risk; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires