Poster Discussions

Lifestyle Interventions—Behavioral, Educational, and Nutritional

Reviewed by Joelle Escoffery, PhD

In this poster discussion session, one theme that emerged was the importance of addressing psychological characteristics in conjunction with behavior change interventions.  Overweight minority children with higher self-esteem were more successful in weight reduction,[1] and participants with less depression evidenced greater benefits from participation in an educational intervention.[2] Further, one intervention was able to improve patient emotional distress and sustain that improvement for one year.[3] The importance of behavioral strategies was also noted, as behavioral self-selection increased healthy behavior performance.[4] Cultural appropriateness was also an important strategy for enhancing diabetes-related behavior change, as one intervention conducting in an African-American church setting produced a decrease in A1C.[5]  Other results included an intervention to improve prevent glycemic relapse, which demonstrated a significant effect on weight maintenance, but not on glycemic control;[6] a study demonstrating the efficacy of exercise for the delay of peripheral neuropathy;[7] a study assessing correlates of glycemic index, which showed consumption of low fat milk and fruits were negatively correlated with glycemic index and consumption of beer, white bread, and french fries were positively correlated with glycemic index;[8] and an examination of correlates of physical activity among patients at high risk for diabetes, which demonstrated that activity was correlated with higher educational level, belief that activity is a priority, and willingness to make time for activity.[9]

References

1. Young-Hyman D, Schlundt DG. Predicting change in weight status of African American children seeking treatment.
2. Piatt GA, Anderson RM, Simmons D, Siminerio LM, Zgibor JC. Who benefits most from diabetes education? Results of a randomized trial.
3. Tokunaga R, Karube N, Takamura H, et al. Early intervention eases the emotional distress related to diabetic treatment with effective intervention strategies at first visit, three months, and one year follow-up measured by PAID.
4. Eastbrooks PA,Nelson CC, King DK et al. The frequency of behavioral outcomes of goal choices in self-management of diabetes.
5. Samuel-Hodge CD, Ammerman AS, Keyserling TC. A randomized trial of a church-based intervention to improve diabetes self-care behaviors.
6. Elasy T, Michon S, Brown A, et al. Strategies t prevent glycemic relapse: a randomized controlled trial.
7. Balducci S, Parisi L, Leonetti F, et al. Long-term exercise training delayed the onset of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients suggested a true preventive action as well.
8. Schultz M, Liese AD, Fang F, et al. Nutritional correlates of glycemic index.
9. Donahue K, Mielenz T, Sloane P, Callahan C. Identifying supports and barriers to physical activity in patients at risk for diabetes.