A Feasibility Study to Develop a Diabetes Prevention Program for Young Adults With Prediabetes by Using Digital Platforms and a Handheld Device. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cha, EunSeok; Kim, Kevin H.; Umpierrez, Guillermo; Dawkins, Colleen R.; Bello, Morenike K.; Lerner, Hannah M.; Narayan, K.M. Venkat; Dunbar, Sandra B.
• Is Part Of: Diabetes educator. Volume 40:Number 5(2014:Sep./Oct.)
• Page Start: 626
• Page End: 637
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 616.462005
• DOI: 10.1177/0145721714539736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-7217

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an age-specific diabetes prevention program in young adults with prediabetes. Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The inclusion criteria were age 18 to 29 years and the presence of prediabetes (either impaired fasting glucose of 100-125 mg/dL [5.55-6.94 mmol/L] or A1C of 5.7%-6.4%). Fifteen participants were enrolled in the study. A technology-based lifestyle coaching program focused on diet and physical activity and incorporating a handheld device and digital platforms was developed and tested. Psychosocial factors (health literacy, illness perception, self-efficacy, therapeutic efficacy) based on social cognitive theory, changes in diet and physical activity, and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed at baseline and week 12 after the intervention. A paired-samples t test was performed to examine changes between baseline and postintervention on each psychosocial and physical variable. Results: Participants' (n = 13 completers) mean age was 24.4 ± 2.2 years, 23.1% were male, and 53.8% were African American. Overall, the participants were satisfied with the intervention (mean score, 4.15 on a 5-point, Likert-type scale). Between pre- and posttesting, mean body mass index and mean A1C decreased from 41.0 ± 7.3 kg/m 2 and 6.0 ± 0.5% to 40.1 ± 7.0 kg/m 2 and 5.6 ± 0.5%, respectively, whereas mean fasting glucose did not significantly change (from 92.6 ± 11 to 97.6 ± 14.3 mg/dL [5.14 ± 0.61 to 5.42 ± 0.79 mmol/L]). Conclusions: The intervention resulted in reduced A1C and a trend toward decreased body mass index in obese sedentary young adults with prediabetes after 12 weeks. Further study through a randomized clinical trial with a longer intervention period is warranted.