A Feasibility Study to Develop a Diabetes Prevention Program for Young Adults With Prediabetes by Using Digital Platforms and a Handheld Device

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Eun Seok Cha, Emory University; Kevin H. Kim, University of Pittsburgh; Guillermo Umpierrez, Emory University; Colleen R. Dawkins, Emory University; Morenike K. Bello, Emory University; Hannah Lerner, University of North Carolina; Kabayam Venkat Narayan, Emory University; Sandra B Dunbar, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2014-09-01
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2014, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0145721714539736
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Diabetes Educator
• ISSN: 0145-7217
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: 626
• End Page: 637
• Grant/Funding Information: We acknowledge the National Institute of Nursing Research (K01NR012779), the Emory University (University Research Committee and Atlanta Clinical & Translational Science Institute (ACTSI) collaborative grant), and Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UL1 RR025008) for their support of this study.
• Keywords: LITERACY; RISK; METABOLIC SYNDROME; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; SELF-EFFICACY; REDUCTION; DIAGNOSIS; Science & Technology; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; PERCEPTIONS; AMERICAN; LIFE-STYLE INTERVENTION; PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an age-specific diabetes prevention program in young adults with prediabetes. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The inclusion criteria were age 18 to 29 years and the presence of prediabetes (either impaired fasting glucose of 100-125 mg/dL [5.55-6.94 mmol/L] or A1C of 5.7%-6.4%). Fifteen participants were enrolled in the study. A technology-based lifestyle coaching program focused on diet and physical activity and incorporating a handheld device and digital platforms was developed and tested. Psychosocial factors (health literacy, illness perception, self-efficacy, therapeutic efficacy) based on social cognitive theory, changes in diet and physical activity, and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed at baseline and week 12 after the intervention. A paired-samples t test was performed to examine changes between baseline and postintervention on each psychosocial and physical variable. Participants’ (n = 13 completers) mean age was 24.4 ± 2.2 years, 23.1% were male, and 53.8% were African American. Overall, the participants were satisfied with the intervention (mean score, 4.15 on a 5-point, Likert-type scale). Between pre- and posttesting, mean body mass index and mean A1C decreased from 41.0 ± 7.3 kg/m2 and 6.0 ± 0.5% to 40.1 ± 7.0 kg/m2 and 5.6 ± 0.5%, respectively, whereas mean fasting glucose did not significantly change (from 92.6 ± 11 to 97.6 ± 14.3 mg/dL [5.14 ± 0.61 to 5.42 ± 0.79 mmol/L]). The intervention resulted in reduced A1C and a trend toward decreased body mass index in obese sedentary young adults with prediabetes after 12 weeks. Further study through a randomized clinical trial with a longer intervention period is warranted.