Effects of Lifestyle Modifications on Prediabetic Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Trial

TL;DR

This study shows that lifestyle changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce diabetes risk in prediabetic individuals.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program adapted from cardiac rehabilitation for prediabetic patients.

Findings

26% of participants reverted to normoglycemia after the intervention.

Significant reductions in HbA1c levels were observed (p < 0.05).

The program had a high retention rate of 95% and no significant differences in outcomes based on age, gender, or clinical characteristics.

Abstract

Introduction: Prediabetes is characterized by impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), which can lead to cardiovascular complications. This study aims to determine the effects of lifestyle modification on glycemic outcomes in prediabetic individuals.

Methods: This quasi-experimental trial was conducted at the Department of Adult Cardiology, Phoenix Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Participants aged ≥18 years, of either gender, diagnosed with prediabetes as defined by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels between 5.7% and 6.4% were included in the study. Participants underwent a three-month lifestyle modification, adapted from cardiac rehabilitation principles, which included glycemic control, nutritional counseling, physical activity counseling, and exercise training. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c levels following the intervention. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (Posit Software, Boston, MA).

Results: A total number of 101 participants were enrolled, and 96 people completed the study. The average age of the participants was 44.80 ± 8.27 years. Most individuals were males, 85 (88.5%), and 11 females accounted for 11.5%. Postintervention, 25 participants (26%) reverted to normoglycemia, while 67 (69.8%) remained prediabetic, and 4 (4.2%) progressed to diabetes. Significant reductions in HbA1c levels were observed (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in outcomes based on age, gender, or clinical characteristics. The program demonstrated strong adherence, with a retention rate of 95%.

Conclusion: Lifestyle modification effectively improved glycemic control and reduced the progression of diabetes in prediabetic individuals. The findings support the integration of lifestyle interventions for managing prediabetes.

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