Abstract
The research and development study aimed to develop a model of lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in high risk group.
Methods: The lifestyle program was applied from the diabetes prevention program (DPP). Researcher team and public health nurses in District Health Promoting Hospitals (DHPH) performed seven meetings to deliver education and empowerment consisted of healthy diet, physical activity, stress management and social behaviors. The participants in intervention group were encouraged to match as a “buddy” for coaching each other throughout 16 weeks of the program. Quasi-experimental study was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the model. Participants were selected from high risk group of DM in the local community, Kudjub district, Udonthani province, Thailand. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), health behaviors, and satisfaction of the program.
Results: Totally, 6o participants (30 persons in intervention and 30 in control group) participated. After 16 weeks, adjusted mean difference of FBS (90.1 mg/dl in intervention vs 95.3 mg/dl in control group) and BMI (25.7 vs 29.1 kg/m2) were not significant between two groups. WC was significantly decreased in intervention group compared to control group (mean difference –5.9 cm; 95%CI = –9.4 to –2.4; p=0.001). Health behavior (mean difference 3.6 score; 95%CI = 0.3, 6.9; p=0.035) and knowledge (mean difference 2.0 score; 95%CI = 0.6, 3.4; p=0.006) were significantly increased in intervention compared to control group. Overall, 96.7% of the intervention group was satisfied and very satisfied with the program.
Conclusion: Lifestyle intervention program demonstrated significant improvement in WC and health behaviors. The program could lead to prevent type 2 DM in the local community.
