Effectiveness of Program Modification Strategies of the Diabetes Prevention Program: A Systematic Review

A systematic review of diabetes prevention programs adapted to include family members

Objectives

Family-based programs may be a strategy to prevent health conditions with hereditary risk such as diabetes. This review examined the state of the science regarding interventions that adapted the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle change curriculum to include family members.

Methods

CINAHL, Cochrane Central, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for reports that were peer reviewed, written in English, evaluated interventions that adapted the DPP lifestyle change curriculum to be family-based, reported diabetes risk related outcomes, and published between 2002 and August 2023. Records were reviewed, data extracted, and quality assessed by two researchers working independently. A narrative synthesis was completed. Meta-analysis was not completed due to the small number of studies and the heterogeneity of the study characteristics.

Results

2177 records were identified with four meeting inclusion criteria. Primary participants for three studies were adults and one study focused on youth. Family participants were adult family members, children of the primary participant, or caregivers of the enrolled youth. For primary participants, two studies found significant intervention effects on weight-related outcomes. Of the studies with no intervention effects, one was a pilot feasibility study that was not powered to detect changes in weight outcomes. Three studies assessed outcomes in family participants with one finding significant intervention effects on weight.

Conclusions

While DPP interventions adapted to include family showed promising or similar results as individual-based DPP interventions, additional studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action and the most effective methods to engage family members in the programs.

Translation of a family-based behavioral intervention for adolescent obesity using the RE-AIM framework and common steps from adaptation frameworks

Interventions for adolescent weight management that are ready to use in clinical settings are needed to address the obesity epidemic and improve the health and wellbeing of affected adolescents. This report describes the systematic process our team followed to adapt an evidence-based intervention (EBI) for adolescent weight management from its randomized control trial protocol to a package for delivery in a group-based telehealth format within a medical center. The EBI adaptation was clinician initiated, prompted by identified practice needs, and involved collaboration of the clinical team with the EBI developer. The process was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and followed key steps for adapting EBIs to new contexts. RE-AIM-aligned adaptations included telehealth delivery and broader inclusion criteria, separate clinical and research evaluation batteries, adaptations to fit the clinical practice, practical fidelity checklists to guide and record session delivery, and continuous quality improvement processes aimed to facilitate program longevity and family engagement. The process culminated in a package of adapted intervention materials deemed by stakeholders as appropriate to the practice and congruent with the EBI model. This report provides a much-needed practical demonstration of the translation of an EBI for adolescent weight management from research protocol to group telehealth delivery in a medical center. Key lessons include the value of clinician-researcher collaboration, the breadth of resources needed to adapt EBIs for real-world delivery, and the importance of considering delivery context in implementation and evaluation decisions, including defining inclusion criteria, staffing, and outcomes assessments.

Application of implementation mapping to develop strategies for integrating the National Diabetes Prevention Program into primary care clinics

Background

Diabetes is considered one of the most prevalent and preventable chronic health conditions in the United States. Research has shown that evidence-based prevention measures and lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of developing diabetes. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is an evidence-based program recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; it is designed to reduce diabetes risk through intensive group counseling in nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral management. Factors known to influence this program's implementation, especially in primary care settings, have included limited awareness of the program, lack of standard clinical processes to facilitate referrals, and limited reimbursement incentives to support program delivery. A framework or approach that can address these and other barriers of practice is needed.

Objective

We used Implementation Mapping, a systematic planning framework, to plan for the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the National DPP in primary care clinics in the Greater Houston area. We followed the framework's five iterative tasks to develop strategies that helped to increase awareness and adoption of the National DPP and facilitate program implementation.

Methods

We conducted a needs assessment survey and interviews with participating clinics. We identified clinic personnel who were responsible for program use, including adopters, implementers, maintainers, and potential facilitators and barriers to program implementation. The performance objectives, or sub-behaviors necessary to achieve each clinic's goals, were identified for each stage of implementation. We used classic behavioral science theory and dissemination and implementation models and frameworks to identify the determinants of program adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Evidence- and theory-based methods were selected and operationalized into tailored strategies that were executed in the four participating clinic sites. Implementation outcomes are being measured by several different approaches. Electronic Health Records (EHR) will measure referral rates to the National DPP. Surveys will be used to assess the level of the clinic providers and staff's acceptability, appropriateness of use, feasibility, and usefulness of the National DPP, and aggregate biometric data will measure the level of the clinic's disease management of prediabetes and diabetes.

Results

Participating clinics included a Federally Qualified Health Center, a rural health center, and two private practices. Most personnel, including the leadership at the four clinic sites, were not aware of the National DPP. Steps for planning implementation strategies included the development of performance objectives (implementation actions) and identifying psychosocial and contextual implementation determinants. Implementation strategies included provider-to-provider education, electronic health record optimization, and the development of implementation protocols and materials (e.g., clinic project plan, policies).

Conclusion

The National DPP has been shown to help prevent or delay the development of diabetes among at-risk patients. Yet, there remain many challenges to program implementation. The Implementation Mapping framework helped to systematically identify implementation barriers and facilitators and to design strategies to address them. To further advance diabetes prevention, future program, and research efforts should examine and promote other strategies such as increased reimbursement or use of incentives and a better billing infrastructure to assist in the scale and spread of the National DPP across the U.S.

Development of the Brazilian Version of a Pan-Canadian Behavior Change Program and Its Health and Fitness Outcomes

Chronic diseases are a major health problem worldwide, especially in lower-income jurisdictions. Considering this scenario, the World Health Organization has recently established, as a research priority, preventive interventions for populations from lower-income countries, such as the middle-income country of Brazil. The purpose of this article is to describe the components of a pan-Canadian lifestyle program adapted to Brazilians and to report its health and fitness outcomes. A 12-week program called ACCELERATION was translated and culturally adapted to Brazilians. A quasi-randomized controlled trial was designed, consisting of weekly emails and educational videos addressing risk factors for chronic disease. Health and fitness measures included body composition, cardiovascular variables, aerobic fitness, and muscular strength. The Brazilian experimental group showed maintenance in heart rate, blood pressure, and VO2max values while presenting an improvement of 3.3% in body fat percentage (p = 0.040, d = −0.325) and 5.1% in muscular strength (p = 0.039, d = 0.328). Overall, these results were similar to the Canadian intervention. Based on these findings, the Brazilian version of the program has the potential to contribute to the fight against chronic diseases in Brazil.

Diabetes Detection and Prevention in Dermatology

We are currently in the midst of an international epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes. The prevalence of DM in the United States is estimated at 9.4% of the population across all ages, while an estimated 1 in 3 Americans (33.9%) has prediabetes. According to the WHO, about 60 million people suffer from diabetes in the European Region. Dermatologists may play an important role in tackling this epidemic via efforts to improve early detection of both diabetes and prediabetes. Dermatologists often treat patients with, or at risk of, diabetes. This includes patients who present with cutaneous manifestations such as acanthosis nigricans, as well as patient populations at increased risk, including those with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Simple screening guidelines can be used to identify patients at risk, and screening can be performed via a single non-fasting blood test. The diagnosis of prediabetes is a key feature in diabetes prevention, as interventions in this group can markedly reduce progression towards diabetes. In addition to referral to a primary care physician, dermatologists may refer these patients directly to structured behavioral lifestyle intervention programs known as diabetes prevention programs. A significant portion of the population lacks routine care by a primary care physician, and current data indicates need for improvement in diabetes screening and prevention among patient groups such as those with psoriasis. These factors highlight the importance of the dermatologist's role in the detection and prevention of diabetes.

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

The global diabetes burden is staggering, and prevention efforts are needed to reduce the impact on individuals and populations. There is strong evidence from efficacy trials showing that lifestyle interventions promoting increased physical activity, improvements in diet, and/or weight loss significantly reduce diabetes incidence and improve cardiometabolic risk factors. Implementation research assessing the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of delivering these proven programs at the community level has shown success, but more research is needed to overcome barriers to implementation in different settings globally. New avenues of research should be considered to combat this public health issue.

Two-Phase Evaluation of a Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Palestinian Women in East Jerusalem: A Quasi-Experimental Study Followed by Dissemination

Palestinian-Arab women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to high prevalence of diabetes and other risk factors. The current study investigates the effectiveness of an intensive group-based intervention on lifestyle habits that can prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To that end, we conducted a group-based intervention based on the diabetes prevention program in two consecutive phases. The first phase consisted of a quasi-experimental study and the second phase included community-wide dissemination, with a 6-month follow-up. Findings from the quasi-experiment indicate increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, weight reduction (-2.21 kg, p < 0.01), and a significant increase in the average daily steps in the intervention group (from 4456 to 6404). Findings from the dissemination indicate that average daily vegetables consumption increased from 1.76 to 2.32/day as did physical activity and average daily steps (from 4804 to 5827). There was a significant reduction in blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL. These gains were sustained over 6 months following the intervention. This community-based, culturally adapted, health-promotion intervention led to improved nutrition and physical activity which were maintained after 6 months. Collaboration with community centers and local community partners created an effective channel for dissemination of the program to pre-clinical individuals.

Cost-effectiveness of Diabetes Prevention Interventions Targeting High-risk Individuals and Whole Populations: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness (CE) of interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D) among high-risk individuals and whole populations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Interventions targeting high-risk individuals are those that identify people at high risk of developing T2D and then treat them with either lifestyle or metformin interventions. Population-based prevention strategies are those that focus on the whole population regardless of the level of risk, creating public health impact through policy implementation, campaigns, and other environmental strategies. We systematically searched seven electronic databases for studies published in English between 2008 and 2017. We grouped lifestyle interventions targeting high-risk individuals by delivery method and personnel type. We used the median incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), measured in cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) or cost saved to measure the CE of interventions. We used the $50,000/QALY threshold to determine whether an intervention was cost-effective or not. ICERs are reported in 2017 U.S. dollars.

RESULTS

Our review included 39 studies: 28 on interventions targeting high-risk individuals and 11 targeting whole populations. Both lifestyle and metformin interventions in high-risk individuals were cost-effective from a health care system or a societal perspective, with median ICERs of $12,510/QALY and $17,089/QALY, respectively, compared with no intervention. Among lifestyle interventions, those that followed a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) curriculum had a median ICER of $6,212/QALY, while those that did not follow a DPP curriculum had a median ICER of $13,228/QALY. Compared with lifestyle interventions delivered one-on-one or by a health professional, those offered in a group setting or provided by a combination of health professionals and lay health workers had lower ICERs. Among population-based interventions, taxing sugar-sweetened beverages was cost-saving from both the health care system and governmental perspectives. Evaluations of other population-based interventions-including fruit and vegetable subsidies, community-based education programs, and modifications to the built environment-showed inconsistent results.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the T2D prevention interventions included in our review were found to be either cost-effective or cost-saving. Our findings may help decision makers set priorities and allocate resources for T2D prevention in real-world settings.

Age of onset of diabetes and all-cause mortality

Diabetes mellitus continues to present a large social, financial and health system burden across the world. The relationship between age of onset of the different types of diabetes and all-cause mortality is uncertain. In this review paper, the relationship between age of onset of the different types of diabetes and all-cause mortality will be reviewed and an update of the current evidence will be presented. There is strong evidence of the relationship between age of onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and all-cause mortality, good evidence of the relationship between age of onset of T1DM and all-cause mortality and no evidence of the relationship between age of onset of gestational diabetes or prediabetes and all-cause mortality. Further research is needed to look at whether aggressive management of earlier onset of T2DM can help to reduce premature mortality.

The Diabetes Prevention Program for Underserved Populations: A Brief Review of Strategies in the Real World

IN BRIEF This review highlights examples of the translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to underserved populations. Here, underserved populations are defined as groups whose members are at greater risk for health conditions such as diabetes but often face barriers accessing treatment. Strategies to develop and evaluate future DPP translations are discussed.

Prevention in Prison: The Diabetes Prevention Program in a Correctional Setting

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) could be successfully implemented in a correctional environment to promote weight loss, lower A1C, and improve other cardiometabolic outcomes.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental, staggered-start control study was conducted in a female and male federal correctional institution. Twenty-six male and 21 female incarcerated, overweight individuals with prediabetes or at high risk for developing diabetes were randomly assigned to two groups. Data were measured at 6-month intervals starting at baseline for 18 months. Group 1 participated in the 12-month Group Lifestyle Balance intervention program from baseline to 12 months. Group 2 served as a control group from baseline for 6 months and then completed the intervention program from months 6 to 18.

RESULTS

Participants were ethnically diverse and mostly >44 years of age. At baseline, members of the two study groups were not significantly different with regard to sex, race/ethnicity, age, or prediabetes status. About half of participants (51%) completed the program, with participants in group 1 significantly more likely to be completers (P <0.05). At 6 months, participants in the intervention group had significantly more weight loss on average (12 lb) than those in the control/delayed-start group (5 lb) (P <0.001). However, both groups (active intervention and control) experienced significant decreases in weight, BMI, triglycerides, and A1C levels after 6 months. In combined analysis, after the 12-month intervention, participants in both groups demonstrated significant decreases in BMI (P <0.001) and A1C (P <0.001) from baseline.

CONCLUSION

The DPP may be an effective method for reducing the impact of diabetes in the correctional environment addressed. Larger studies should be conducted to confirm these outcomes. Study findings were affected by high attrition rates, primarily due to transfers and releases from the institution.

Falls Experiences and Prevention Preferences of Adults in Mid-life

Falls prevention research and practice has focused primarily on older adults, yet healthy and productive aging does not begin at age 65. To help fill this gap in knowledge, the purpose of this study was to explore the falls experiences and prevention program preferences of adults in mid-life who had experienced falls or near falls. A qualitative study using content analysis was used. Multiple coders were employed to increase the reliability of the findings. Results revealed three major themes with regard to falls experiences including precursors to falls, physical implications, and functional implications. For prevention preferences, themes included a continuum of interest, convenience is key, money matters, people you trust prompt action, and preventing future injury. Study results reveal new insights regarding the falls experiences and prevention preferences of adults in mid-life and can serve as a starting point to inform prevention programs targeting this population.

Disseminating and implementing a lifestyle-based healthy weight program for mothers in a national organization: a study protocol for a cluster randomized trial

Background

Excessive weight gain among young adult women age 18–45 years is an alarming and overlooked trend that must be addressed to reverse the epidemics of obesity and chronic disease. During this vulnerable period, women tend to gain disproportionally large amounts of weight compared to men and to other life periods. Healthy Eating and Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH) is a lifestyle modification intervention developed in partnership with Parents as Teachers (PAT), a national home visiting, community-based organization with significant reach in this population. HEALTH prevented weight gain, promoted sustained weight loss, and reduced waist circumference. PAT provides parent–child education and services free of charge to nearly 170,000 families through up to 25 free home visits per year until the child enters kindergarten.

Methods

This study extends effectiveness findings with a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate dissemination and implementation (D&I) of HEALTH across three levels (mother, parent educator, PAT site). The trial will evaluate the effect of HEALTH and the HEALTH training curriculum (implementation strategy) on weight among mothers with overweight and obesity across the USA (N = 252 HEALTH; N = 252 usual care). Parent educators from 28 existing PAT sites (14 HEALTH, 14 usual care) will receive the HEALTH training curriculum through PAT National Center, using PAT’s existing training infrastructure, as a continuing education opportunity. An extensive evaluation, guided by RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance), will determine implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and adaptation) at the parent educator level. The Conceptual Framework for Implementation Research will characterize determinants that influence HEALTH D&I at three levels: mother, parent educator, and PAT site to enhance external validity (reach and maintenance).

Discussion

Embedding intervention content within existing delivery channels can help expand the reach of evidence-based interventions. Interventions, which have been adapted, can still be effective even if the effect is reduced and can still achieve population impact by reaching a broader set of the population. The current study will build on this to test not only the effectiveness of HEALTH in real-world PAT implementation nationwide, but also elements critical to D&I, implementation outcomes, and the context for implementation.

Trial registration

https://ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03758638. Registered 29 November 2018

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13012-019-0916-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of the digital diabetes prevention programme pilot: uncontrolled mixed-methods study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising steeply. National Health Service England (NHSE) is exploring the potential of a digital diabetes prevention programme (DDPP) and has commissioned a pilot with embedded evaluation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study aims to determine whether, and if so, how, should NHSE implement a national DDPP, using a mixed-methods pretest and post-test design, underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: the Coventry, Aberdeen and London - Refined (CALO-RE) taxonomy of behavioural change techniques for the digital interventions and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) for implementation processes. In eight pilot areas across England, adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 42-47 mmol/mol or fasting plasma glucose 5.5-6.9 mmol/L) and adults without NDH who are overweight (body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m²) or obese (BMI >30 kg/m²) will be referred to one of five digitally delivered diabetes prevention interventions. The primary outcomes are reduction in HbA1c and weight (for people with NDH) and reduction in weight (for people who are overweight or obese) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include use of the intervention, satisfaction, physical activity, patient activation and resources needed for successful implementation. Quantitative data will be collected at baseline, 6 months and 12 months by the digital intervention providers. Qualitative data will be collected through semistructured interviews with commissioners, providers, healthcare professionals and patients. Quantitative data will be analysed descriptively and using generalised linear models to determine whether changes in outcomes are associated with demographic and intervention factors. Qualitative data will be analysed using framework analysis, with data pertaining to implementation mapped onto the CFIR.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has received ethical approval from the Public Health England Ethics and Research Governance Group (reference R&D 324). Dissemination will include a report to NHSE to inform future policy and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

¡Viva Maryvale!: A Multilevel, Multisector Model to Community-Based Diabetes Prevention

INTRODUCTION

Latino communities are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes and experience disparities in access to diabetes prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a culturally grounded, diabetes prevention program for high-risk Latino families delivered through an integrated research-practice partnership.

STUDY DESIGN

The integrated research-practice partnership was established in a predominantly Latino community and consisted of a Federally Qualified Health Center, a YMCA, an accredited diabetes education program, and an academic research center. Data were collected and analyzed from 2015 to 2018.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Latino families consisting of a parent with an obese child between age 8 and 12 years.

INTERVENTION

The 12-week lifestyle intervention included nutrition education and behavioral skills training (60 minutes, once/week) and physical activity classes (60 minutes, three times/week) delivered at a YMCA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcomes included measures of adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, and body fat); HbA1c; and weight-specific quality of life.

RESULTS

Over the course of the 2-year project period, 58 families (parents n=59, children n=68) were enrolled with 36% of parents and 29% of children meeting the criteria for prediabetes at baseline. Feasibility and acceptability were high, with 83% of enrolled families completing the program, 91% of the intervention sessions attended, and 100% of families stating they would recommend the program. The intervention led to significant decreases in percentage body fat among parents (46.4% [SD=10.8] to 43.5% [SD=10.5], p=0.001) as well as children (43.1% [SD=8.0] to 41.8% [SD=7.2], p=0.03). Additionally, HbA1c was significantly reduced in parents (5.6% [SD=0.4] to 5.5% [SD=0.3], p=0.03), and remained stable in children (5.5% [SD=0.3] vs 5.5% [SD=0.3], p>0.05). Significant improvements in quality of life were reported in parents (64.6 [SD=15.8] to 71.0 [SD=13.7], p=0.001) and children (69.7 [SD=15.8] to 72.6 [SD=13.7], p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the preliminary efficacy of an integrated research-practice partnership to meet the diabetes prevention needs of high-risk Latino families within a vulnerable community.

Reversibility of diabetes mellitus: Narrative review of the evidence

The global disease burden of diabetes mellitus is high. It is well-established that prediabetes is reversible but it is unclear whether diabetes is reversible once it has been diagnosed. The objective of this narrative review is to review the evidence of reversibility of diabetes mellitus and stimulate interest in prolonged remission as a treatment target. The current evidence for bariatric surgery is stronger than intensive medical management and the evidence is stronger for type 2 diabetes patients compared with type 1 diabetes patients. It is also unclear whether non obese diabetes patients would benefit from such interventions and the duration of diabetes before diabetes become irreversible. Further research is needed in this area especially with regards to the subgroup of diabetes patient who will benefit from these interventions and the long term safety and efficacy remains unknown especially with intensive medical management.

One-year effects of a group-based lifestyle intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized encouragement trial

AIMS

To estimate the real-world effects of offering a group-based lifestyle intervention (GLI) to adults with diabetes.

METHODS

This randomized encouragement trial included adult primary care patients in metropolitan Chicago with type 2 diabetes and body mass index ≥24 kg/m². Participants were randomized to standard care (brief dietary and lifestyle counseling) or standard care plus being encouraged, but not required, to participate in a free-of-charge GLI offered by the YMCA. The GLI was a group-based adaptation of the Look AHEAD lifestyle intervention.

RESULTS

Of 331 participants, 167 were randomized to standard care and 164 to the GLI encouragement arm. About one third of participants were non-Hispanic White (34.4%). In the GLI arm, 75 (45.7%) attended ≥1 GLI visits. In the primary intention-to-treat analysis, the effect of GLI encouragement was 0.95% weight loss at six months (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-1.77%; P = 0.02), and 1.20% weight loss at 12 months (95% CI, 0.05-2.36%; P = 0.04). At 12 months, there was a 0.30% (3.3 mmol/mol) reduction in hemoglobin A1c, but this result did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.054). In instrumental variable analysis estimating effects among the subgroup of participants who attended any GLI visits, the effect of GLI attendance was 2.30% weight loss at six months (95% CI, 0.30-4.30%; P = 0.02), and 2.07% weight loss at 12 months (95% CI, 0.25-3.88%; P = 0.02). We detected no significant blood pressure or cholesterol effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults with type 2 diabetes, a group-based lifestyle intervention in a community-based setting achieved modest weight loss at 6 and 12 months.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01435603.

Cultural primer for cardiometabolic health: health disparities, structural factors, community, pathways to improvement, and clinical applications

The quest to optimize cardiometabolic health has created great interest in nonmedical health variables in the population, community-based research and coordination, and addressing social, ethnic, and cultural barriers. All of these may be of equal or even greater importance than classical health care delivery in achieving individual well-being. One dominant issue is health disparity - causes, methods of reduction, and community versus other levels of solutions. This communication summarizes some major views regarding social structures, followed by amplification and synthesis of central ideas in the literature. The role of community involvement, tools, and partnerships is also presented in this Primer. Recent views of how these approaches could be incorporated into cardiometabolic initiatives and strategies follow, with implications for research. Two examples comparing selected aspects of community leverage and interventions in relation to individual approaches to health care equity are examined in depth: overall performance in reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality, and the recent National Diabetes Prevention Program, both touching upon healthy diets and adherence. Finally, the potential that precision medicine offers, and possible effects on disparities are also discussed.

Intent-to-treat analysis of a simultaneous multisite telehealth diabetes prevention program

OBJECTIVE

Determine the effectiveness of a 16-week modified diabetes prevention program (DPP) administered simultaneously to multiple rural communities from a single urban site, as compared with a similar face-to-face intervention. A 12-week intervention was evaluated to consider minimization of staff costs in communities where resources are limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study compared DPP interventions implemented in rural (via telehealth technology) and urban (face-to-face) communities using an intent-to-treat analysis. Primary outcome measures included 5% and 7% body weight loss. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of intervention success and included a variable for treatment effect.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2015, up to 667 participants were enrolled in the study representing one urban and 15 rural communities across Montana. The 16-week urban and rural interventions were comparable; 33.5% and 34.6% of participants lost 7% body weight, respectively; 50% and 47% lost 5% (p=0.22). Participants who were male (OR=2.41; 95% CI 1.32 to 4.40), had lower baseline body mass index (OR=1.03; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), attended more sessions (OR=1.33; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.58), and more frequently reported (OR=3.84; 95% CI 1.05 to 14.13) and met daily fat gram (OR=4.26; 95% CI 1.7 to 10.6) and weekly activity goals (OR=2.46; 95% CI 1.06 to 5.71) were more likely to meet their 7% weight loss goal. Predictors of meeting weight loss goals were similar for participants enrolled in the 12-week intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Using telehealth technology to administer a modified DPP to multiple rural communities simultaneously demonstrated weight loss results comparable to those in a face-to-face intervention. Given the limitation of resources, linking rural areas to urban centers using telemedicine may increase access to much needed services to prevent or delay progression to diabetes.

Developing a systems-based framework of the factors influencing dietary and physical activity behaviours in ethnic minority populations living in Europe - a DEDIPAC study

Background

Some ethnic minority populations have a higher risk of non-communicable diseases than the majority European population. Diet and physical activity behaviours contribute to this risk, shaped by a system of inter-related factors. This study mapped a systems-based framework of the factors influencing dietary and physical activity behaviours in ethnic minority populations living in Europe, to inform research prioritisation and intervention development.

Methods

A concept mapping approach guided by systems thinking was used: i. Preparation (protocol and terminology); ii. Generating a list of factors influencing dietary and physical activity behaviours in ethnic minority populations living in Europe from evidence (systematic mapping reviews) and ‘eminence’ (89 participants from 24 academic disciplines via brainstorming, an international symposium and expert review) and; iii. Seeking consensus on structuring, rating and clustering factors, based on how they relate to each other; and iv. Interpreting/utilising the framework for research and interventions. Similar steps were undertaken for frameworks developed for the majority European population.

Results

Seven distinct clusters emerged for dietary behaviour (containing 85 factors) and 8 for physical activity behaviours (containing 183 factors). Four clusters were similar across behaviours: Social and cultural environment; Social and material resources; Psychosocial; and Migration context. Similar clusters of factors emerged in the frameworks for diet and physical activity behaviours of the majority European population, except for ‘migration context’. The importance of factors across all clusters was acknowledged, but their relative importance differed for ethnic minority populations compared with the majority population.

Conclusions

This systems-based framework integrates evidence from both expert opinion and published literature, to map the factors influencing dietary and physical activity behaviours in ethnic minority groups. Our findings illustrate that innovative research and complex interventions need to be developed that are sensitive to the needs of ethnic minority populations. A systems approach that encompasses the complexity of the inter-related factors that drive behaviours may inform a more holistic public health paradigm to more effectively reach ethnic minorities living in Europe, as well as the majority host population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12966-017-0608-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Implementation findings from a hybrid III implementation-effectiveness trial of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Background

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an effective lifestyle intervention to reduce incidence of type 2 diabetes. However, there are gaps in knowledge about how to implement DPP. The aim of this study was to evaluate implementation of DPP via assessment of a clinical demonstration in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods

A 12-month pragmatic clinical trial compared weight outcomes between the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Prevention Program (VA-DPP) and the usual care MOVE!® weight management program (MOVE!). Eligible participants had a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (or BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² with one obesity-related condition), prediabetes (glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 5.7–6.5% or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 100–125 mg/dL), lived within 60 min of their VA site, and had not participated in a weight management program within the last year. Established evaluation and implementation frameworks were used to guide the implementation evaluation. Implementation barriers and facilitators, delivery fidelity, participant satisfaction, and implementation costs were assessed. Using micro-costing methods, costs for assessment of eligibility and scheduling and maintaining adherence per participant, as well as cost of delivery per session, were also assessed.

Results

Several barriers and facilitators to Reach, Adoption, Implementation, Effectiveness and Maintenance were identified; barriers related to Reach were the largest challenge encountered by site teams. Fidelity was higher for VA-DPP delivery compared to MOVE! for five of seven domains assessed. Participant satisfaction was high in both programs, but higher in VA-DPP for most items. Based on micro-costing methods, cost of assessment for eligibility was $68/individual assessed, cost of scheduling and maintaining adherence was $328/participant, and cost of delivery was $101/session.

Conclusions

Multi-faceted strategies are needed to reach targeted participants and successfully implement DPP. Costs for assessing patients for eligibility need to be carefully considered while still maximizing reach to the targeted population.

Workplace Interventions to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aims to summarize the recent peer-reviewed literature on workplace interventions for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including studies that translate the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) curriculum to workplace settings (n = 10) and those that use different intervention approaches to achieve the specific objective of T2DM prevention among employees (n = 3).

RECENT FINDINGS

Weight reduction was achieved through workplace interventions to prevent T2DM, though such interventions varied substantially in their effectiveness. The greatest weight loss was reported among intensive lifestyle interventions (i.e., at least 4 months in duration) that implemented the structured DPP curriculum (n = 3). Weight reduction was minimal among less intensive interventions, including those that substantially modified the DPP curriculum (n = 2) and those that used non-DPP intervention approaches to prevent T2DM (n = 3). Most studies (n = 12) reported increased levels of physical activity following the intervention. Implementation of the DPP in workplaces may be an effective strategy to prevent T2DM among employees.