The Effect of a Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification Program on Glycemic Control and Body Composition in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

This paper describes the effects of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program (CLMP) on glycemic control and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This study was performed from October 2003 to April 2005, and used an experimental design with random assignment. The experimental group (n = 25) received CLMP for 4 months and follow-up sessions for 9 months. CLMP included nurse-led education on exercise and diet, and counseling on stress management and self-monitoring of their diabetic health. The control group (n = 23) received a 1-hour educational session on diabetic diet at the beginning of the study. Glucose level and body composition were measured in both groups a total of five times: at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months post intervention.

Results

Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant differences in fasting blood sugar and HbA_1c levels between the two groups (both p < .05). Both groups demonstrated statistically significant changes in body composition over time, but there was no significant difference in the pattern of change between the two groups.

Conclusion

CLMP is a useful program, and its multiple approaches by nurses as the leaders and coordinators appear to have positive and synergistic roles in improving and maintaining stable glucose level and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Key Words:  behavior modification , body composition , diabetes mellitus , glycemic index

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