Effects of Diabetes Prevention Education Program for Overweight and Obese Subjects with a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study from the United Arab Emirates

Objectives

The association of obesity and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides an opportunity for risk stratification and prevention, as these two conditions are the most well-known risk factors for T2DM. We aimed to test the feasibility and effects of a diabetes mellitus prevention education program designed for overweight and obese Emirati people with at least one parent with T2DM.

Methods

We conducted a pilot study using a pre-post design without a control arm at the Diabetes Center at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, UAE. Overweight and obese subjects with at least one parent with T2DM were invited to participate. Three study assessments were conducted at baseline, three months, and six months including a questionnaire, anthropometry, and laboratory assessments. Interventions included three individualized or family-engaged counseling sessions based on the DiAlert protocol. The study outcomes included awareness of risks and prevention opportunities to T2DM, behavior changes in nutrition and exercise, decreased waist-circumference, and clinical/metabolic/inflammatory markers. Pre-post changes were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

One hundred twenty-two overweight or obese individuals were approached. Forty-four individuals met the eligibility criteria, and 32 individuals (35.0±9.0 years; 75.0% female) completed the study. At six months, there were significant improvements in the glycated hemoglobin levels (p = 0.007), high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.049), serum creatinine (p < 0.025), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.009), and adiponectin levels (p < 0.024). Sixteen of 32 participants had ≥ 2 cm reduction in waist circumference. They demonstrated notable physical and laboratory improvements in moderate-vigorous activity, average activity counts per day, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein.

Conclusions

Offering family-oriented diabetes education to people at risk for T2DM is well received and has favorable effects on relevant risk factors. Better testing with large-scale randomized controlled studies is needed, and implementing similar educational programs for the Emirati population seems warranted.

Family integrated care in single family rooms for preterm infants and late-onset sepsis: a retrospective study and mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

During hospital stay after birth, preterm infants are susceptible to late-onset sepsis (LOS).

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of family integrated care in single family rooms (SFRs) compared to standard care in open bay units (OBUs) on LOS. Peripheral or central venous catheters (PVCs/CVCs) and parenteral nutrition (PN) were investigated as potential mediators. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, and weight gain during hospital stay.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective before-after study with preterm infants admitted ≥3 days.

RESULTS

We studied 1,046 infants (468 in SFRs, 578 in OBUs, median gestational age 35 weeks). SFRs were associated with less LOS (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.486, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.293; 0.807, p = 0.005). PVCs (indirect effect -1.757, 95% CI: -2.738; -1.068), CVCs (indirect effect -1.002, 95% CI: -2.481; 0.092), and PN (indirect effect -1.784, 95% CI: -2.688; -1.114) were possible mediators of the effect. PN was the main mediator of the effect of SFRs on LOS. We found shorter length of stay (median length of stay in SFRs 10 days and in OBUs 12 days, adjusted β -0.088, 95% CI: -0.159; -0.016, p = 0.016), but no differences in weight gain or exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

SFRs were associated with decreased incidences of LOS and shorter length of hospital stay. The positive effect of SFRs on LOS was mainly mediated through a decreased use of PN in SFRs.

IMPACT

Family integrated care (FICare) in single family rooms for preterm infants was associated with less late-onset sepsis events during hospital stay and a shorter length of hospital stay after birth. FICare in single family rooms was associated with less use of peripheral or central venous catheters and parenteral nutrition. Mediation analysis provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the effect of FICare in single family rooms on late-onset sepsis and helped explain the differences observed in late-onset sepsis between FICare in single family rooms and open bay units. The reduction in late-onset sepsis in FICare in single family rooms was mediated by a reduced use of intravenous catheters and parenteral nutrition.

Facilitators and barriers to a dietitian-implemented blended care weight-loss intervention (SMARTsize): a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Dietitians play an important role in the intervention and prevention of being overweight and obesity. More and more blended care interventions are being implemented. The present study aimed to evaluate the delivery by Dutch dietitians of a multicomponent, evidence-based weight-loss programme (SMARTsize), including counselling for relapse prevention. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify facilitators and barriers to the delivery of SMARTsize.

METHODS

Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 dietitians who participated in a larger implementation study. Each interview was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Determinants of theory of implementation, including characteristics of the user, the innovation, organisational context and setting, and innovation strategy guided interviews and analysis. Data were coded and analysed using the framework approach.

RESULTS

According to dietitians, the SMARTsize intervention had a positive influence on patients. The main implementation facilitators were the availability of implementation materials, such as a manual, training in relapse prevention and social support from other dietitians. The main barriers to implementation were organisation and financial reimbursement of cooking classes, the belief that patients need more individual counselling in the starting phase, and the unsuitability for people with low levels of health literacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Most dietitians considered that implementation of the SMARTsize intervention consisting of e-health, written information and cooking classes and face-to-face counselling is challenging but feasible. Further development of the SMARTsize intervention and implementation tools is needed to lower experienced barriers. It is also recommended that a version of the intervention to be developed that is suitable for patients with lower levels of health literacy.

Diabetes risk reduction in overweight first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes patients: effects of a low-intensive lifestyle education program (DiAlert) A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To test the efficacy of a low-intensive lifestyle education program (DiAlert) for overweight first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes patients aimed at reducing diabetes risk.

METHODS

Overweight first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes patients were randomly assigned to the DiAlert intervention (N=45) or control group who received leaflets (N=51). DiAlert consists of two group sessions and newsletters. Assessments were scheduled at baseline, three and nine months, with weight loss as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric, metabolic, behavioral and psychological measures. Comparisons were made over time and between groups.

RESULTS

Both groups showed modest weight loss with no difference between randomization groups. However, after DiAlert significantly more participants lost 5% of their weight compared to controls (P=0.03). Significant improvement of waist circumference sustained after 9 months in the intervention group (intervention: -4.33cm, P<0.01/control: -1.25cm, P=0.08). Systolic blood pressure improved within the intervention group (intervention: -8.77mmHg, P<0.01/control: -1.03mmHg, P=0.60). No effect was observed for biomedical and psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our low-intensive structured lifestyle education program helps overweight relatives to improve waist circumference and supports relevant weight loss.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The family approach provides opportunities to reach and engage relatives at risk in diabetes prevention education.

Health care providers' perspective on using family history in the prevention of type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study including different disciplines

BACKGROUND

Family history (FH) is considered an important factor to detect individuals at increased risk developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, FH information could be used to personalise risk messages, which are assumed to increase risk-reducing behaviours. In this study, we aimed to explore Dutch health care professionals' attitudes regarding current or future uptake of a more extensive use of FH information and the family system in diabetes prevention.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen health care professionals from six general practices and four outpatient diabetes clinics. The use of FH information in opportunistic screening for T2D was explored, as well as the usability of a direct versus patient-mediated targeting strategy to reach persons with a FH of T2D. Three researchers analysed the interview transcripts separately.

RESULTS

Dutch health care professionals considered FH an important risk factor in opportunistic screening for T2D. However, none of them used FH to promote risk-reducing behaviours. Directly targeting and educating patients known to have a FH of T2D was desirable for most primary care professionals, but not considered feasible. Findings indicated that FH information was not systematically gathered in primary care settings and electronic medical records were not equipped to retrieve persons with T2D running in their family. The idea of asking patients to pass on risk and preventive information was new to all interviewees, but was considered an acceptable strategy to reach persons with a FH of diabetes. Nevertheless, there were concerns about the accuracy of the messages delivered by the patients to their relatives. Practical barriers with regard to time, expertise, and financial reimbursement were also mentioned.

CONCLUSIONS

There is great interest among healthcare professionals in primary as well as secondary care about the use of FH to prevent T2D, but there are significant barriers against such use. The removal of these barriers would depend on evidence showing the cost-effectiveness of FH-based strategies designed to prevent T2D.

DiAlert: a prevention program for overweight first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes patients: results of a pilot study to test feasibility and acceptability

Background

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing due to lifestyle changes, particularly affecting those genetically at risk. We developed DiAlert as a targeted group-based intervention aimed to promote intrinsic motivation and action planning for lifestyle changes and weight loss in first degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The main objective of the pilot of the DiAlert intervention was to assess fidelity, feasibility and acceptability prior to starting the randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Individuals with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus were self-identified and screened for eligibility. DiAlert consists of two group sessions. Feasibility, fidelity, acceptability and self-reported perceptions and behavioral determinants were evaluated in a pre-post study using questionnaires and observations. Determinants of behavior change were analyzed using paired-samples t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results

DiAlert was delivered to two groups of first degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (N = 9 and N = 12). Feasibility and fidelity were confirmed. Overall, the DiAlert group sessions were positively evaluated (8.0 on a scale of 1 to 10) by participants. The intervention did not impact perceived susceptibility or worry about personal diabetes risk. Action planning with regard to changing diet and physical activity increased.

Conclusions

DiAlert proved feasible and was well-accepted by participants. Positive trends in action planning indicate increased likelihood of actual behavior change following DiAlert. Testing the effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial is imperative.

Trial registration

Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR): NTR2036

Changing the odds. What do we learn from prevention studies targeted at people with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes?

People with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at high risk of developing diabetes. We set out to review the literature reporting on the development and/or evaluation of lifestyle interventions specifically aimed at prevention of T2DM in this group. Targeting people with a positive family history of T2DM seems so far an underutilized prevention strategy. They can and should be approached with the aim to raise risk awareness and promote healthy eating, weight loss and physical activity, thereby reducing their risk of developing diabetes.

DiAlert: a lifestyle education programme aimed at people with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes and overweight, study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

Background

Family history is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and more so in the presence of overweight. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a new lifestyle education programme 'DiAlert' targeted at 1st degree relatives of people with T2DM and overweight. In view of the high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease in immigrants from Turkish origin living in Western Europe, a culturally appropriate Turkish version of DiAlert will be developed and tested.

Methods/design

In this RCT, 268 (134 Dutch and 134 Turkish) overweight 1st degree relatives of patients with T2DM will be allocated to either the intervention or control group (leaflet). The intervention DiAlert aims to promote intrinsic motivation to change lifestyle, and sustain achieved behaviour changes during follow-up. Primary outcome is weight loss. Secondary outcomes include biological, behavioural and psychological indices, along with process indicators. Measurements will take place at baseline and after 3 and 9 months. Changes in outcomes are tested between intervention and control group at 3 months; effects over time are tested within and between both ethnic groups at 3 and 9 months.

Discussion

The DiAlert intervention is expected to be more effective than the control condition in achieving significant weight loss at 3 months, in both Dutch and Turkish Dutch participants.

Trial registration

Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR): NTR2036