Bringing an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination: an international consensus statement on evidence and recommendations

People with diabetes often encounter stigma (ie, negative social judgments, stereotypes, prejudice), which can adversely affect emotional, mental, and physical health; self-care, access to optimal health care; and social and professional opportunities. To accelerate an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination, an international multidisciplinary expert panel (n=51 members, from 18 countries) conducted rapid reviews and participated in a three-round Delphi survey process. We achieved consensus on 25 statements of evidence and 24 statements of recommendations. The consensus is that diabetes stigma is driven primarily by blame, perceptions of burden or sickness, invisibility, and fear or disgust. On average, four in five adults with diabetes experience diabetes stigma and one in five experience discrimination (ie, unfair and prejudicial treatment) due to diabetes, such as in health care, education, and employment. Diabetes stigma and discrimination are harmful, unacceptable, unethical, and counterproductive. Collective leadership is needed to proactively challenge, and bring an end to, diabetes stigma and discrimination. Consequently, we achieved unanimous consensus on a pledge to end diabetes stigma and discrimination.

Uptake, retention, and outcomes of the National Diabetes Prevention Program by enrollee characteristics and program type

AIMS

To describe National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) uptake, retention, and outcomes by enrollee characteristics and program type.

METHODS

We studied 776 adult University of Michigan employees, dependents, and retirees with prediabetes and overweight or obesity who enrolled in one of four CDC-recognized NDPPs at no out-of-pocket cost. Programs included 1) an in-person classroom-based program led by certified diabetes educators in an endocrinology outpatient clinic; 2) an in-person classroom-based program led by trained peer instructors in community settings; 3) an in-person fitness-focused program led by trained lifestyle coaches; and 4) an online digital program led by personal health coaches with virtual group meetings. Data from the insurer and surveys were analyzed.

RESULTS

Older individuals with hypertension and cardiovascular disease were more likely to enroll in classroom-based programs. Program time, location, and perceived focus on diet or physical activity influenced program selection. Retention, weight loss, and physical activity were greater among enrollees in in-person classroom-based programs. Changes in blood pressure, lipid levels, self-rated health, and health-related quality-of-life did not differ by program, nor did Type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with prediabetes who enrolled in a NDPP achieved health benefits regardless of the type of program they chose.

Retention and outcomes of National Diabetes Prevention Program enrollees and non-enrollees with prediabetes: The University of Michigan experience

AIMS

To evaluate retention and outcomes of insured adults with prediabetes who enrolled or did not enroll in National Diabetes Prevention Programs (NDPPs).

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2019, 776 University of Michigan employees, dependents, and retirees with prediabetes and overweight or obesity enrolled in one-year NDPPs.

RESULTS

Enrollees attended a median of 18 sessions. Median retention was 38 weeks. Retention was associated with older age, greater initial weight loss, and physical activity. At both 1- and 2-years, body mass index, triglycerides, and HbA1c were significantly improved among enrollees. After adjusting for age group, sex, and race, the odds of developing diabetes based on HbA1c ≥6.5 % was 40 % lower at 1-year and 20 % lower at 2-years, and the odds of self-reported diabetes was 57 % lower at 1-year and 46 % lower at 2-years in enrollees compared to non-enrollees. Enrollees who disenrolled before completing the core curriculum had higher odds and enrollees who completed the NDPP had lower odds of developing diabetes that non-enrollees.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population with prediabetes, NDPP retention was generally good, risk factors were improved, and diabetes was delayed or prevented for up to two years.

Evaluating an intervention of telehealth education and simulation for advanced practice registered nurse students: A single group comparison study

As healthcare delivery continues to evolve and expand, nurse educators must prepare advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students to use telehealth technology safely, effectively, and confidently. The aims of this study were to describe APRN students' beliefs and confidence regarding the delivery of care via telehealth in their future practice. To evaluate these aims, a single group comparison study was conducted. APRN students received an intervention comprised of multimodal telehealth instruction, which involved the simulated application of telehealth with standardized patients. Students' beliefs regarding telehealth did not significantly change between the pre- and post-intervention, in which all areas were rated high pre-intervention. Students reported an increase in their perception and confidence post-intervention. Integration of telehealth into the APRN curriculum is essential to instil knowledge and confidence as healthcare technology advances.

A Spanish-language translation for the U.S. of the type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale (DSAS-2 Spa-US)

Background

Diabetes stigma is recognized to negatively impact health-related outcomes for people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but there is a dearth of evidence among U.S. Latino adults with T2D. Our aim was to develop a Spanish-language translation of the Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2) and examine its psychometric properties among U.S. Latino adults with T2D.

Methods

The translation was developed through a multi-step process, including a focus group with community health workers (n=5) and cognitive debriefing interviews with Latino adults with T2D (n=8). It was field-tested in an online survey of U.S. Latino adults with T2D, recruited via Facebook (October 2018 to June 2019). Exploratory factor analysis examined structural validity. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed by testing hypothesized correlations with measures of general chronic illness stigma, diabetes distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, loneliness, and self-esteem.

Results

Among 817 U.S. Latino adults with T2D who participated in the online survey, 517 completed the Spanish-language DSAS-2 (DSAS Spa-US) and were eligible for the study (mean age 54 ± 10 years, and 72% female). Exploratory factor analysis supported a single-factor solution (eigenvalue=8.20), accounting for 82% of shared variance among the 19 items, all loading ≥ 0.5. Internal consistency reliability was high (α=0.93). As expected, strong, positive correlations were observed between diabetes stigma and general chronic illness stigma (rs=0.65) and diabetes distress (rs=0.57); medium, positive correlations, between diabetes stigma and depressive (rs=0.45) and anxiety (rs=0.43) symptoms, and loneliness (rs=0.41); and a moderate negative correlation between diabetes stigma and self-esteem (rs=-0.50). There was no relationship between diabetes stigma and diabetes duration (rs=0.07, ns).

Conclusion

The DSAS-2 Spa-US is a version of the DSAS-2, translated into Spanish, that has good psychometric properties for assessing diabetes stigma in U.S. Latino adults with T2D.

Health Beliefs Associated With Metformin Use Among Insured Adults With Prediabetes

OBJECTIVE

To use the framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM) to explore factors associated with metformin use among adults with prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed survey data from 200 metformin users and 1,277 nonmetformin users with prediabetes identified from a large, insured workforce. All subjects were offered the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) at no out-of-pocket cost. We constructed bivariate and multivariate models to investigate how perceived threat, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and cues to action impacted metformin use and how demographic, clinical, sociopsychological, and structural variables impacted the associations.

RESULTS

Adults with prediabetes who used metformin were younger and more likely to be women and to have worse self-rated health and higher BMIs than those with prediabetes who did not use metformin. Those who used metformin were also more likely to be aware of their prediabetes and to have a personal history of gestational diabetes mellitus or a family history of diabetes. After consideration of perceived threat, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and cues to action, the only independent predictors of metformin use were younger age, female sex, higher BMI, and cues to action, most specifically, a doctor offering metformin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and clinical factors and cues to action impact the likelihood of metformin use for diabetes prevention. Perceived threat, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy were not independently associated with metformin use. These results highlight the importance of patient-centered primary care and shared decision-making in diabetes prevention. Clinicians should proactively offer metformin to patients with prediabetes to facilitate effective diabetes prevention.

Perceived risk for diabetes among U.S. adults with undiagnosed prediabetes

The purpose was to examine the degree to which perceived risk for diabetes differed by race and ethnicity among U.S. adults with undiagnosed prediabetes. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 4005 participants (aged ≥20 years) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) program between 2011 and 2018. Individuals with prediabetes were identified using glycohemoglobin (HbA_1c) data. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between race and ethnicity and perceived risk of diabetes while adjusting for age and sex, educational level, family history of diabetes, BMI, and healthcare factors (health insurance coverage and routine place to go for healthcare). Nearly three-quarters (71.8%) of adults with undiagnosed prediabetes reported no perceived risk for diabetes. Rates of perceived risk for diabetes did not change significantly in any racial and ethnic groups from 2011 to 12 to 2017-18. In models adjusted for individual characteristics, identifying as Non-Hispanic Black was associated with a 34% higher likelihood of reporting no perceived risk compared to identifying as Non-Hispanic White (OR 1.34, 95% CI:1.03-1.74). Identifying as Hispanic was associated with a 29% higher likelihood of reporting no perceived risk compared to identifying as Non-Hispanic White (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.66). Healthcare factors may have less influence on diabetes risk perception. Future public health efforts should improve diabetes risk communication efforts across racial and ethnic groups, emphasizing Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations.

Domains from the health belief model predict enrollment in the National Diabetes Prevention Program among insured adults with prediabetes

AIMS

To examine enrollment in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) by insured adults with prediabetes according to domains of the Health Belief Model (HBM).

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2019, University of Michigan employees, retirees, and dependents with prediabetes were offered the National DPP at no out-of-pocket cost. Individuals with prediabetes were identified and mailed letters encouraging them to enroll. We surveyed those who enrolled and a random sample of those who did not using the HBM as a framework to examine factors associated with enrollment. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of 64,131 employees, retirees, and dependents, 8131 were identified with prediabetes and 776 (9.5%) enrolled in the National DPP. Of those surveyed, 532 of 776 National DPP enrollees and 945 of 2673 non-enrollees responded to the survey (adjusted response rates 74% and 43%, respectively). Among survey respondents, factors associated with National DPP enrollment included older age, female sex, higher BMI, prediabetes awareness, greater perceived benefits of health-protective action, and one or more cues to action.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimizing National DPP enrollment among adults with prediabetes will require identifying individuals with prediabetes, increasing personal awareness of the diagnosis, increasing perceived benefits of enrollment, and providing strong cues to action.

Youth and Parent Perspectives on the Acceptability of a Group Physical Activity and Coping Intervention for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE

To examine youth and parent perspectives on the acceptability of Bright 1 Bodies, a group physical activity and coping intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

Adolescents participated in 12 weekly sessions of moderate to vigorous physical activity and discussion with peers with T1DM. Adolescents completed an exit survey measuring satisfaction with the intervention on a 5-point Likert scale. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescents and at least one parent. Qualitative description was used to develop themes that summarize the acceptability of the intervention.

RESULTS

Mean scores for survey subscales were: 4.5 (SD = 0.39) for program components and strategies, 4.4 (SD = 0.44) for comfort with the intervention, and 4.3 (SD = 0.62) for instructors. Themes included: (1) adolescents and parents valued being around others with T1DM and their families, (2) the intervention helped adolescents gain knowledge and reinforce diabetes self-management behaviors, (3) challenges included convenience and sustaining participant engagement, and (4) adolescents intended to sustain physical activity and diabetes self-management behaviors after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents and parents viewed the intervention as acceptable across multiple domains. Participants valued the group aspect of the intervention, and future interventions would benefit from integrating social interactions with others with T1DM.

Use of metformin following a population-level intervention to encourage people with pre-diabetes to enroll in the National Diabetes Prevention Program

INTRODUCTION

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) and metformin are interventions to slow progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes. When coverage for the NDPP was offered by a public research university's health insurance plan, proactive strategies were used to combat historically low enrollment. Although not specifically targeted by these strategies, metformin use was higher than expected, leading to this evaluation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used insurance enrollment, claims, pharmacy, and laboratory data for 64 131 adult employees, dependents, and retirees to identify individuals with pre-diabetes and invite them to enroll in the NDPP at no out-of-pocket cost. The characteristics of individuals with pre-diabetes who used metformin before and after their invitation were compared with NDPP enrollees.

RESULTS

8131 individuals with pre-diabetes were identified. Of these, 776 (9.5%) enrolled in a NDPP and 802 (9.9%) used metformin. Metformin users were younger, had higher body mass index, were more likely to have comorbidities, and had higher baseline hemoglobin A1c levels than non-users. Timing of metformin use varied with 107 (13%) discontinuing, 426 (53%) continuing, and 269 (34%) initiating metformin use after their NDPP invitation. Of NDPP enrollees, 13 (2%) discontinued, 56 (7%) continued, and 34 (4%) initiated metformin use when they enrolled.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite no active encouragement, use of metformin was similar to the rate of enrollment in the NDPP. Metformin use was higher for individuals with higher likelihood of responding. With the proven cost-effectiveness of metformin, targeted strategies to increase metformin use in individuals with pre-diabetes who are likely to respond, but not willing to enroll in a lifestyle intervention, are needed.

Impact of sediment parameters in the prediction of benthic microbial fuel cell performance

The benthic microbial fuel cell (BMFC) is a promising technology for harvesting renewable energy from marine littoral environments. The scientific community has researched BMFC technology for well over a decade, but the in situ performance remains challenging. To address this challenge, BMFC power experiments were performed on sediment collected from San Diego Bay (CA, USA), La Spezia (Italy) and Honolulu (HI, USA) in the ever-changing littoral environment. Analysis of BMFC laboratory data found the power density varied substantially across 11 sites in San Diego Bay. In addition, data from experiments repeated at four locations in San Diego Bay showed significant differences between experiments performed in 2014, 2016 and 2019. Multivariable linear analysis showed BMFC 90 day cumulative power density was positively correlated with the total organic carbon (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the black carbon in the sediment (p < 0.05). Regression coefficients trained on the San Diego Bay data from 2014 facilitated accurate predictions of BMFC performance in 2016 and 2019. The modeling paradigm accurately explained variations in BMFC power performance in La Spezia and showed sediment parameters can impact BMFC performance differently across geographic regions. The results demonstrate a great potential to use sediment parameters and statistical modeling to predict BMFC power performance prior to deployment in oceanographic environments, thereby reducing cost, work force and resources.

Perceptions and experiences of living with type 1 diabetes among Latino adolescents and parents with limited English proficiency

We explored perceptions and experiences of living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among U.S. Latino adolescents (age 12-19 years) with T1DM and parents with limited English proficiency. We used a qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews of adolescents together with their parents. Interview data were reviewed, coded, and combined into themes about participant experiences with T1DM. Twenty-four adolescents (mean age: 15.4 years) and 23 parents participated. Analysis resulted in three themes: (a) Understanding and adapting to T1DM (i.e., initial fear and misunderstandings of T1DM; adolescents' reflections on living with a chronic health condition); (b) Coming to terms with social and environmental influences on T1DM self-management (i.e., T1DM as disruptive to school and social activities; dealing with stigma and judgments related to diabetes); and, (c) Integrating T1DM self-management expectations with components of Latino cultures (i.e., orientation toward family well-being; parent concerns about cultural preferences that influence food choices, positive influence of spirituality and religiousness; parental views of their current health care in comparison to that available in their place of birth). Adolescents and their parents reported experiences that are universal to adolescents with T1DM in addition to challenges that are unique to Latinos. Efforts aimed at improving T1DM self-management during adolescence with this population need to be tailored to meet the unique social and cultural contexts and delivered in a culturally and linguistically congruent manner.

Feasibility and safety of a group physical activity program for youth with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Many adolescents with type 1 diabetes do not achieve 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Recognizing the importance of peer influence during adolescence, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of a group MVPA intervention for this population.

METHODS

Eighteen adolescents with type 1 diabetes (age 14.1 ± 2 .3 years, female 67%, black or Latino 67%, median body mass index 92%'ile, A1c 79.9 ± 25.1 mmol/mol, 9.5 ± 2.3%). Intervention sessions (35 minutes MVPA and 45 minutes discussion) occurred 1×/week for 12 weeks. Feasibility and safety metrics were enrollment, completion of intervention and assessments, cost, and hypoglycemia rates. Participants completed MVPA (accelerometry), and exploratory nutritional, psychosocial, clinical, and fitness variable assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 7 months. Hedges' effect sizes were calculated.

RESULTS

Enrollment was 16%, and intervention completion was 56%. Assessment completion at 7 months was 67% for MVPA, nutrition, and fitness, 83% for psychosocial assessments, and 94% for clinical assessments. Cost was $1241 per completing participant. One episode of mild hypoglycemia occurred during the sessions (0.6%). Self-reported daily fruit/vegetable servings (d = -0.72) and diabetes self-management behaviors decreased over time (d = -0.40). In the 10 completers, endurance run score improved (d = 0.49) from low baseline levels, while systolic blood pressure decreased (d = -0.75) and low-density lipoprotein increased (d = 0.49) but stayed within normal ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol for the group MVPA intervention was safe and had some feasibility metrics meriting further investigation. MVPA levels and glycemic control remained suboptimal, suggesting the need for more intensive interventions for this population.

Stressful Life Events in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in the U.S. T1D Exchange Clinic Registry

PURPOSE

The purpose was to test associations among stressful life events, frequency of missed insulin doses, and glycemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN

The study was a cross-sectional descriptive secondary analysis.

METHODS

Data from 2,921 participants (ages 18-26 years) in the U.S. T1D Exchange Clinic Registry were analyzed. Report of a stressful life event was defined as one or more positive responses on a 17-item stressful life events index and defined as a dichotomous variable (yes or no). Frequency of missed insulin doses was measured using a single self-report item and collapsed into two levels (fewer than three times a week, three or more times a week). The glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level recorded at the time of enrollment was used to assess glycemic control.

FINDINGS

Nearly half (48.6%) of the participants reported having a stressful life event during the previous year. The most frequently reported stressful life events were problems at work or school (16.1%), serious arguments with family members or a close friend (15.2%), and financial problems in the family (13.8%). Compared to the participants not reporting stressful life events, those who reported stressful life events were more likely to be older, female, with a higher educational attainment level, and not working or unemployed. Those who reported a stressful life event were more likely than those who did not to say they typically missed insulin doses at least three times a week and less likely to say they typically missed insulin doses fewer than three times a week (p < .001 adjusted for age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment level, duration of T1D diagnosis, and insulin delivery method). Mean A1c level was higher for the group who reported having a stressful life event in the past 12 months compared to the group who did not (8.7 ± 1.8% vs. 8.2 ± 1.6%; adjusted p < .001). The results of a mediation analysis suggest that the measure of frequency of missed insulin doses may be a mediator of the relationship between recent stressful life events and glycemic control (Sobel test: ab = .841, 95% confidence interval = 0.064-1.618).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that, for young adults with T1D, the experience of stressful life events may increase their risk for poorer glycemic control, possibly by disrupting adherence with insulin doses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Further exploration of these relationships may allow for the potential for identifying those at risk and assisting them with more positive approaches to managing stressful events.

Lifestyle interventions based on the diabetes prevention program delivered via eHealth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective was to describe Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)-based lifestyle interventions delivered via electronic, mobile, and certain types of telehealth (eHealth) and estimate the magnitude of the effect on weight loss. A systematic review was conducted. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies published between January 2003 and February 2016 that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. An overall estimate of the effect on mean percentage weight loss across all the interventions was initially conducted. A stratified meta-analysis was also conducted to determine estimates of the effect across the interventions classified according to whether behavioral support by counselors post-baseline was not provided, provided remotely with communication technology, or face-to-face. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, in which 26 interventions were evaluated. Samples were primarily white and college educated. Interventions included Web-based applications, mobile phone applications, text messages, DVDs, interactive voice response telephone calls, telehealth video conferencing, and video on-demand programing. Nine interventions were stand-alone, delivered post-baseline exclusively via eHealth. Seventeen interventions included additional behavioral support provided by counselors post-baseline remotely with communication technology or face-to-face. The estimated overall effect on mean percentage weight loss from baseline to up to 15months of follow-up across all the interventions was -3.98%. The subtotal estimate across the stand-alone eHealth interventions (-3.34%) was less than the estimate across interventions with behavioral support given by a counselor remotely (-4.31%), and the estimate across interventions with behavioral support given by a counselor in-person (-4.65%). There is promising evidence of the efficacy of DPP-based eHealth interventions on weight loss. Further studies are needed particularly in racially and ethnically diverse populations with limited levels of educational attainment. Future research should also focus on ways to optimize behavioral support.

A Spanish-Language Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes: Translation Process and Assessment of Psychometric Properties

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Create a Spanish-language version of the Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes (RPS-DD) and assess psychometric properties.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Spanish-language version was created through translation, harmonization, and presentation to the tool's original author. It was field tested in a foreignborn Latino sample and properties evaluated in principal components analysis.

RESULTS

Personal Control, Optimistic Bias, and Worry multi-item Likert subscale responses did not cluster together. A clean solution was obtained after removing two Personal Control subscale items. Neither the Personal Disease Risk scale nor the Environmental Health Risk scale responses loaded onto single factors. Reliabilities ranged from .54 to .88. Test of knowledge performance varied by item.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to evidence of validation of a Spanish-language RPS-DD in foreign-born Latinos.

Perception of Risk for Developing Diabetes Among Foreign-Born Spanish-Speaking US Latinos

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to describe perception of risk for developing diabetes among foreign-born Spanish-speaking US Latinos.

METHODS

Participants (N = 146), recruited at food-pantry distribution events and free clinics, were surveyed using the Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes in Spanish. Type 2 diabetes risk factors measured included body mass index, physical activity, and A1C.

RESULTS

Sample characteristics were mean (SD) age of 39.5 (9.9) years, 58% with less than a high school graduate-level education, and 65% with a family income less than $15,000/year. Prevalence of risk factors was 81% overweight or obese, 47% less than 150 minutes/week moderate/vigorous-intensity physical activity, and 12% A1C consistent with prediabetes. Of the 135 participants with complete data, 31% perceived a high/moderate risk for developing diabetes. In univariate logistic regression analyses, 9 of 18 potential variables were significant (P < .05) predictors of perception of risk. When these 9 variables were entered into a multiple logistic regression model, 5 were significant predictors of perception of risk: history of gestational diabetes, high school graduate or above, optimistic bias, worry, and perceived personal disease risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the Spanish-language translation of the Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes revealed factors influencing perception of risk for developing diabetes. Results can be used to promote culturally acceptable type 2 diabetes primary prevention strategies and provide a useful comparison to other populations.

A Novel Diabetes Prevention Intervention Using a Mobile App: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Overweight Adults at Risk

INTRODUCTION

Mobile phone technology may be a cost-effective and convenient way to deliver proven weight-loss interventions and thereby prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a diabetes prevention intervention combined with a mobile app and pedometer in English-speaking overweight adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

RCT.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 61 overweight adults with a mean age (SD) of 55.2 (9.0) years. Seventy-seven percent were women, 48% were racial/ethnic minorities, and baseline BMI was 33.3 (6.0).

INTERVENTION

The curriculum was adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program, with the frequency of in-person sessions reduced from 16 to six sessions and group exercise sessions replaced by a home-based exercise program. A study-developed mobile phone app and pedometer augmented the intervention and provided self-monitoring tools.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Weight loss.

RESULTS

Data were collected in 2012 and 2013 and were analyzed in 2014. In intention-to-treat analyses, the intervention group (n=30) lost an average of 6.2 (5.9) kg (-6.8% [5.7%]) between baseline and 5-month follow-up compared to the control group's (n=31) gain of 0.3 (3.0) kg (0.3% [5.7%]) (p<0.001). The intervention group's steps per day increased by 2,551 (4,712) compared to the control group's decrease of 734 (3,308) steps per day (p<0.001). In comparison, the intervention group had greater reductions in hip circumference (p<0.001); blood pressure (p<0.05); and intake of saturated fat (p=0.007) and sugar-sweetened beverages (p=0.02). The intervention had no significant effect on fasting lipid or glucose levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant weight loss resulting from this modified combined mobile app and pedometer intervention for overweight adults warrants further investigation in a larger trial.

Fatigue of elbow flexor muscles in younger and older adults

The aim of this study was to assess differences in the behavior of fatigue-related measures of neuromuscular function between younger (n = 10; 20-35 years) and older (n = 11; >65 years) healthy adults. Measures reflecting changes in voluntary activation, neuromuscular propagation, metabolite build-up, and excitation-contraction coupling processes were taken before, during, and after a sustained maximum elbow-flexion fatigue task. We found a greater role for a failure in voluntary activation (central fatigue) in about half of the older subjects compared with none of the younger subjects to explain the decrease in force-generating capacity with sustained activity. In contrast, similar behaviors in measures reflecting changes in peripheral mechanisms were noted for the two age groups. These results point to a potential shift in fatigue mechanisms with age, with a greater contribution of central fatigue in some older adults.