Abstract
Global public health is facing a significant challenge due to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, exerting immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Despite advancements in medical treatments, the burden of diabetes continues to escalate, underscoring the urgent need for effective preventative measures. In response to this growing epidemic, the U.S. National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has emphasized lifestyle modifications among individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes. These interventions aim to achieve a 5–7% reduction in body weight, which has been associated with a substantial decrease in the incidence of type 2 diabetes at the national level (Gruss et al., 2019). While the effectiveness of these interventions has been well-documented in controlled settings, further research is necessary to evaluate their impact in underserved areas.Idaho has a high rate of diabetes, with 9.8% of the population diagnosed with diabetes and 38% identified as pre-diabetic in 2021. Alarmingly, many individuals are unaware of their condition (Idaho Health Report Card, 2024). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a year-long lifestyle intervention program for adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in Idaho.
This study analyzed data collected from University of Idaho Extension DPRP-enrolled participants. We enrolled 227 participants at high risk of diabetes in a year-long program focused on promoting lifestyle modifications. Individuals who were 18 years of age or older with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 17.5 kg/m² to 54.9 kg/m² and were pre-diabetic or had a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were recruited. The primary goals were to achieve at least 5% weight loss and 150 minutes per week of physical activity by the end of the program. Exclusion criteria included a prior diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes or pregnancy at the time of enrollment.
Our study revealed that participants experienced significant decreases in mean BMI, with an average reduction of 1.15 kg/m². This decrease was directly correlated with a noticeable drop in body weight, averaging a loss of 7 pounds. Additionally, participants increased their physical activity by an average of 40 minutes/week. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing lifestyle modifications to lower the risk of conditions such as obesity and diabetes and to improve overall well-being.
Regression analysis was conducted to identify parameters associated with changes in BMI, physical activity, and body weight. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to build a final model. The results indicated that participants who engaged in the program for more months and were older experienced a greater decrease in BMI. Additionally, those who had a greater increase in physical activity tended to have higher physical activity levels at baseline.
In conclusion, the lifestyle intervention successfully and significantly achieved weight loss and increased physical activity among high-risk individuals in Idaho. The program's success highlights the critical role of structured lifestyle modifications in diabetes prevention, particularly in underserved areas. Future research should focus on sustaining these changes over the long term and exploring ways to enhance participant adherence and engagement. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting lifestyle interventions as an effective strategy for combating the diabetes epidemic.