Pilot study reveals combined effect of nutrition, lifestyle intervention in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the Louis Bolk Institute in the Netherlands conducted an observational study to determine whether lifestyle interventions were effective in mitigating the global burden brought about by diabetes. They published their findings in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

• Given the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes cases, experts are now looking at the potential of lifestyle interventions to stem this tide.
• In the study, the team highlighted the need for new practice-based evidence to better understand this solution.
• The team used a multicomponent outpatient group-based approach for their observational study. They also used a pre- and post-test design that looked at the group’s nutrition and lifestyle intervention program, as well as the use of glucose-lowering medication for patients with Type 2 diabetes with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg per square meter (kg/m²).
• The researchers enrolled 74 participants (56 percent female, all with Type 2 diabetes) in the six-month study. At the close of the study, participants who underwent intervention had lower mean Hb1Ac levels compared to baseline. In addition, 49 percent of the participants had reduced medication use after the intervention.
• Secondary outcomes included lower fasting glucose levels, body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Participants also self-reported improved quality of life and lower instances of fatigue and sleep problems.

In sum, a multicomponent approach can improve glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes patients.

Find the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Pot GK, Battjes-Fries MC, Patijn ON, Pijl H, Witkamp RF, Visser MD, Zijl NVD, Vries MD, Voshol PJ. NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: PILOT STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDS SHOWING IMPROVED GLUCOSE CONTROL AND REDUCTION IN GLUCOSE LOWERING MEDICATION. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. 11 October 2019;2(1):43–50. DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2018-000012