OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle intervention on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 199 patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with lack of metabolic control and overweight/obesity, were randomly assigned to intensive lifestyle intervention or collaborative educational program alone, with 6 months of follow-up. Intervention included 150min of physical activity a week to reduce body weight by 7%. Both groups received 16 sessions on behavior modification over the course of the 6 months. Measurements were taken at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Significant weight loss was achieved by both groups, with greater loss in the intervention group. Those with lower baseline A1c appeared to benefit more from the educational program than intensive intervention over time. CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions produced positive if modest changes in metabolic control. These results suggest that, for weight loss and control of A1c, an intensive intervention may be more effective. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The current study demonstrates the value of a systematic application of behavior modification and self-care techniques in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It demonstrates the importance of intensive, all-inclusive treatment, and of attention to individual concerns.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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