In a nutshell
This study investigated whether lifestyle interventions improved glycemic (blood sugar) control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
They found that lifestyle intervention slightly improved glycemic control and reduced the needed dose of diabetes medication in these patients.
Some background
Managing type 2 diabetes initially involves lifestyle adjustment with or without glucose-lowering medication. Some of these medications have adverse effects including decreased quality of life. Thus, the importance of disease management using non-pharmacological (drug) approaches is great.
Some studies indicate that lifestyle intervention may be efficient in managing blood glucose levels. These studies, however, varied in terms of the nature of the intervention and the results were self-reported.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to examine if an intensive lifestyle intervention improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
98 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. All patients received standard treatment (medical counselling, disease education and lifestyle advice). One group of patients also received intensive lifestyle intervention. This included 5-6 aerobic sessions with combined resistance training and a strict individual diet plan. Patients were observed over a 12-month period.
Patients who underwent lifestyle intervention had a reduced average HbA1c level (blood glucose over 3 months) of -0.31% versus -0.04% in the standard treatment group. This did not reach the “equivalence margin” of 0.4%, which describes a reduction in blood glucose that is clinically beneficial. 73.5% of patients that underwent lifestyle intervention reduced the dose of glucose-lowering medications taken, compared to 26.4% of the standard treatment group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that lifestyle intervention did not significantly improve glycemic control, but may have benefits for long-term diabetes management.
The fine print
Patients in this study experienced diabetes for up to 10 years prior to the study. This may have impacted the effectiveness of treatment. Studying the effects long-term (greater than 12 months) may identify more beneficial effects.
What’s next?
A healthy lifestyle is important for diabetes management. Please discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Published By :
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Date :
Aug 15, 2017
