Diabetes Prevention Programs May Improve Metabolic Profiles

Diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) can help lower blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as aid in weight loss, according to new research.

For their meta-analysis, the researchers included 44 studies collected from online databases that implemented DPP lifestyle modification programs focused on 5% to 7% weight loss through 150 or more minutes of moderate exercise per week and restricted fat intake.
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All of the studies had taken place in clinical, community, and online settings in the United States.

The researchers found that after an average 9.3-month follow-up, DPPs helped lower weight by a mean of 3.77 kg, hemoglobin A1c by 0.21%, fasting blood glucose by 2.40 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure by 4.29 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure by 2.56 mm Hg, and total cholesterol by 5.34 mg/dL. Participants in programs that offered a maintenance component had lost more weight (an additional 1.66 kg) and had lower fasting blood glucose levels (additional 3.14 mg/dL).

“DPP lifestyle modification programs achieved clinically meaningful weight and cardiometabolic health improvements,” the researchers concluded. “Together, these data suggest that additional value is gained from these programs, reinforcing that they are likely very cost-effective.”

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Mudaliar U, Zabetian A, Goodman M, et al. Cardiometabolic risk factor changes observed in diabetes prevention programs in US settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online July 26, 2016]. PLoS Med. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002095.