Improving outcomes in patients with prediabetes through a lifestyle modification program

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are prevalent throughout the United States, and they occur at even higher rates in some southern states. This project aimed at improving outcomes for overweight/obese patients with prediabetes, thus reducing their risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

Twenty-four adults with a diagnosis of prediabetes and body mass index ≥ 25 completed this 3-month program. The Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAPs) tool was used to assess eating habits and physical activity levels. The Single-Item Literacy Screener was used to screen for limited reading ability. The following preintervention and postintervention data were obtained: weight, A1c, REAP score, and REAP Physical Activity question (REAP-PA).

Monthly group educational sessions were conducted followed by individualized goal setting. The content of the sessions encompassed a lifestyle modification program based on the first five sessions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Prevent T2"curriculum, incorporating the Southern-style diet, food choices, and activity resources available in the local community.

Results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in weight (average 4.0 ± 4.2 kg), REAP score (average 17.6 ± 16.6), and REAP-PA (average 0.6) after intervention. A1c values decreased slightly but were not statistically significant, which may be due to the limited sample size. Those with limited reading ability showed a slightly greater A1c loss than those with adequate literacy.

A 3-month lifestyle modification program resulted in improvement in weight, eating habits, physical activity level, and A1c in overweight/obese patients at risk for type 2 diabetes.