Diabetes Programme

About

Summary: The Group Lifestyle Balance program is based on the Diabetes Prevention Program (New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 7, 2002), a national study which demonstrated that modest changes in lifestyle behavior such as healthy eating and increased physical activity could lower the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes in those at high risk for the disease. The intervention was also found to reduce risk for the metabolic syndrome (Ann Intern Med 142:611-619, 2005). The evidence-based Group Lifestyle Balance program, adapted from the DPP, is designed to help patients make lifestyle changes which can prevent diabetes and prevent or treat metabolic syndrome. We call our program "Lifestyle Balance" because we help patients reach and maintain a healthy balance between two parts of their lifestyle: Eating Physical activity The goals of the Group Lifestyle Balance program are to: Lose 7% of weight through healthy eating. Do 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Individuals who enroll in the program will: Participate in a 12-week Group Lifestyle Balance Program (about 1 hour per session) Self-monitor weight & Body Mass Index (BMI) Keep track and learn more about healthy eating and physical activity Problem solve when faced with barriers to healthy behavior change Learn how to stay motivated Attend monthly maintenance sessions after completion of the initial 12-week series for ongoing support and education