OBJECTIVES: We evaluated a community-based, translational lifestyle program to reduce diabetes risk in lower-socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnic minority adults. METHODS: Through an academic-public health department partnership, community- dwelling adults at risk for diabetes were randomly assigned to individualized lifestyle counseling delivered primarily via telephone by health department counselors or a wait-list control group. Primary outcomes (6 and 12 months) were fasting glucose level, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure. Secondary outcomes included diet, physical activity, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 230 participants, study retention was 92%. The 6-month group differences for weight and triglycerides were significant. The intervention group lost 2 pounds more than did the control group (p = 0.03) and had decreased triglyceride levels (difference in change, 23 mg/dL; p = 0.02). At 6 months, the intervention group consumed 7.7 fewer grams per day of fat (p = 0.05) and more fruits and vegetables (p = 0.02) than did control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges designing effective translational interventions for lower-SES and minority communities, this program modestly improved some diabetes risk factors. Thus, individualized, telephone-based models may be a promising alternative to group-based interventions.
Copyright by the American Public Health Association.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PubMed Central
• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher