Objective: This project evaluated whether a six session program for obese diabetic women, delivered by trained paraprofessionals and focusing on behavior management skills, produced improved health outcomes compared to usual care from family physicians. Also sought to determine if primary care physicians would refer to paraprofessionals for support of patients with diabetes. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Five family practice offices in three counties of rural upper Michigan. Patients: Type 2 diabetic women age 40+ with BMI >27.3 and hemoglobin A1C of >7.0. Intervention: Six session educational program delivered by MSU Extension paraprofessionals. Focus on behavior change and developing skills for behavior changes such as setting personal goals. Outcomes: Main - Weight loss and change in hemoglobin A1C. Secondary - Self-reported changes in diet, exercise and behavior management skills. Measurements taken at study enrollment and six month follow-up. Results: There was no difference between A1C levels or weight in the control and treatment groups, although the treatment group made significant improvements in behavior changes and behavior change stages. Conclusions: Women with Type 2 diabetes enrolled in an educational intervention did not improve their weights and A1C levels significantly, but by self report, derived benefit in terms of how they feel about their ability to control their diabetes and demonstrated an improvement in behaviors related to control.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the Sticking to It diabetic intervention program. 2. Discuss behavior change strategies for type 2 diabetics. 3. Describe clinical and behavioral changes by participants in the program. 4. Become aware of an opportunity for partnering with practice-based researchers and university extension educators in delivering intervention programs
Keywords: Diabetes, Behavior Modification
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.