A Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Reduction and Exercise for Diabetes Management in Older African-American Subjects

The intervention program was effective in improving glycemic and blood pressure control and may reflect indirect program effects on other aspects of self-care.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a weight loss and exercise program designed to improve diabetes management in older African-Americans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Overweight African-Americans (n = 64) ages 55-79 years with NIDDM were randomized to either an intervention (12 weekly group sessions, 1 individual session, and 6 biweekly group sessions) or usual care (1 individual session, and 6 biweekly group sessions) or usual care (1 class and 2 informational mailings). Clinical and behavioral variables were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: Significant net differences in the intervention versus usual care were observed for weight (-2.0 kg, P = 0.006), physical activity, and dietary intake of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and nutrition knowledge at 3 months (all P 0.10) mmHg systolic, respectively. Blood lipid profiles improved more in intervention than usual care participants, but not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention program was effective in improving glycemic and blood pressure control. The decrease in HbA1c values was generally independent of the relatively modest changes in dietary intake, weight, and activity and may reflect indirect program effects on other aspects of self-care.