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Lifestyle intervention program can be cost-effective method for preventing diabetes

Category: Diabetes

A team of researchers has identified ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of a proven strategy for helping those at risk for developing diabetes lose weight and improve their insulin blood test scores. The findings could help many individuals avoid the condition entirely.

Research conducted in 2002 led to the development of a lifestyle intervention that was effective at helping prediabetics lose weight and improve their metabolic health. It involved special exercise shoes, meal replacements and coaching from degree-holding physiologists, nurses and nutritionists. The only problem was that it cost upwards of $1,400 per person.

In the present study, researchers from Emory University analyzed findings from 28 similar trials of lifestyle interventions, some of which did not involve degree-holding specialists. The results showed that programs that use only trained professionals can deliver similar results in terms of weight loss and can help just as many people avoid developing diabetes.

The researchers said that a program like this to prevent diabetes is generally less expensive than treating the condition. When incorporated as part of initiatives like Medicare of the Affordable Care Act, it could lead to significant cost savings and improved health for patients.