Providing long-term support for lifestyle changes: A key to success in diabetes prevention

Abstract

Increasing evidence demonstrates that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented in people with elevated risk by modest changes in lifestyle. Research by the Indiana Diabetes Translation Research Center shows that the YMCA organization is a good community partner to implement diabetes prevention programs. YMCA staff trained to deliver a structured lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes can achieve short-term weight-loss results comparable to those achieved during the Diabetes Prevention Program clinical trial. This research demonstrates that primary prevention is feasible in community settings with a structured program targeting high-risk individuals.