Metabolic impact of education in NIDDM

OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the impact of a model program of diabetes education and weight reduction on diabetes control and weight loss in obese individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Eighty-two obese diabetic subjects were randomized to three levels of educational intensity: 1) a single individual session, 2) a 12-wk behavior-oriented diabetes education and weight control group intervention, or 3) group intervention plus six individual follow-up sessions. Repeated measures of weight, fasting blood glucose, and HbA_1c were collected. Measures of diabetes knowledge, skills, and attitudes were also obtained. RESULTS - By 6 mo, all three intervention groups had a significant weight loss (P < 0.01). The mean weight loss of ∼ 10 lb was independent of treatment group and was maintained over the duration of the study. However, significant improvement in metabolic control was associated with participation in the diabetes education-weight reduction intervention. CONCLUSIONS - The findings of this study indicate that a cognitive behavioral group intervention of diabetes knowledge and weight reduction training can produce weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. The addition of individual counseling as a follow-up maintenance strategy does not appear to have any advantage.