Two-year results from a community-wide diabetes prevention intervention in a high risk indigenous community: The Ngati and Healthy project

Abstract

We describe changes in markers and prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders following a 2-year community-wide intervention aimed at reducing insulin resistance (IR) prevalence in a high risk community. Surveys were undertaken before and 2 years after implementation of a community developed and led diabetes prevention program. Proportions and means were calculated and compared by sex and age groups: 25-49 years and 50+ years. A process evaluation contributed to interpretation of results. Response rates were around 50% and demographic characteristics similar in both surveys. Overall, IR prevalence decreased markedly from 35.5% to 25.4% (p = 0.003). Most changes were observed amongst 25-49 years old women for whom there was a significant change in prevalences of IR and glucose metabolism disorders (p = 0.015), largely due to reduced IR prevalence (38.2-25.6%). In 2006, 60.3% achieved minimum recommended exercise levels and 65.4% ate wholegrain bread compared with 45.1% (p = 0.002) and 42.2% (p = 0.044), respectively, in 2003. Participation in a community diabetes prevention intervention appeared to reduce IR prevalence after 2 years in those with the highest level of participation and most marked lifestyle changes. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.