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Study protocol: Using peer support to aid in prevention and treatment in prediabetes (UPSTART)
Michele Heisler1, Jeffrey Kullgren2, Caroline Richardson3
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
Peer support may help individuals with prediabetes make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This randomized trial will assess the effectiveness of peer coaching versus usual care.
Area of Science:
- Diabetes prevention research
- Behavioral science in health
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention requires effective and scalable interventions.
- Engagement in healthy lifestyle changes is often low, particularly among minority and low-income populations.
- Prediabetes increases the risk of developing T2DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a peer support intervention in preventing or delaying T2DM onset.
- To compare a peer support arm with enhanced usual care in a pragmatic trial.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled pragmatic trial involving 296 adults with prediabetes.
- Participants were randomized to either a peer support group or enhanced usual care.
- The peer support intervention included initial face-to-face meetings and ongoing weekly/monthly calls from a trained peer coach.
- Outcomes assessed included changes in A1c, weight, and waist circumference.
Main Results:
- Enrollment of at least 296 participants and approximately 75 peer supporters.
- The study is designed to assess changes in key health indicators and patient-centered outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Peer coaching offers a potential strategy to improve adherence to healthy behaviors for T2DM risk reduction.
- Ongoing support from peer coaches may facilitate sustained behavior change in individuals at risk for T2DM.
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