Related Experiment Videos
Social Partner Effects on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, Management, and Spillover Health Outcomes: Single-Arm Pre-Post
Natalie B Connell1, Sakila Nasrin1, Zohra Amin1
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA, 30306, United States, 1 1-404-727-4018.
JMIR Formative Research
|June 8, 2026
Summary
A telehealth intervention improved health for South Asian adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by involving social partners. This lifestyle intervention showed significant reductions in HbA1c and blood pressure, demonstrating feasibility and potential benefits.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Diabetes Management
- Telehealth Interventions
Background:
- South Asian Americans face high risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- Close-knit South Asian communities offer potential for leveraging social support in lifestyle interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally tailored telehealth intervention for South Asian adults with prediabetes or T2DM.
- Assess the impact of including social partners (household members) in the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm, pre-post pilot study involving 54 participants and 106 social partners.
- Culturally tailored health education sessions delivered in English and Bengali via telehealth.
- Measured changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), BMI, blood pressure (BP), physical activity, and dietary choices.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in participant HbA1c (-0.83%) and systolic BP (-5.8 mm Hg).
- Increased weekly physical activity in 39% more participants.
- Social partners showed improved fruit/vegetable intake, reduced soda consumption, and increased exercise.
Conclusions:
- Involving social partners in T2DM prevention and management is feasible and potentially beneficial.
- Further comparative studies are needed to ascertain the incremental effects of social partner participation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...