ar0010">1238 participants aged 50–65 years at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes were recruited by primary care physicians in the greater Sydney region. The intervention, delivered by trained allied health professionals, included an initial consultation, three group sessions/individual sessions, three follow-up phone calls, and a final review at 12 months. Biomarkers and behavioural goals were compared between baseline and 12 months.
ar0015">At baseline, the mean age of those who entered the program was 58.8 ± 4.4 years, 63% female, and the mean body mass index was 31.6 ± 5.2 kg/m2. There was a significant weight reduction of 2 ± 4.3 kg (p < 0.02) in the 850 participants who completed the 12-month follow-up accompanied by improvements in diet (total fat, saturated fat, and fibre intake) and physical activity. There were also significant reductions in waist circumference 2.6 ± 4.7 cm (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol −0.2 ± 0.8 mmol/L (p < 0.001) but not blood glucose. The diabetes risk reduction was estimated to be 30%, consistent with similar trials.
ar0020">This study demonstrates that a community-based lifestyle modification program is effective in reducing important risk factors for diabetes in individuals at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes.