Diabetes Prevention Program Results in Immediate Lifestyle Changes Independent of Weight Loss

Abstract

This study measured the immediate impact of lifestyle changes taught by the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), understanding that changes may not be reflected in weight loss. This study followed 34 adults in the DPP. Participants received classes from the CDC’s curriculum and emails with follow-up information and videos, created outside of the CDC’s curriculum. Surveys were created to measure the immediate impact of topics covered in each period (2, 3 and 4 months) by comparing participants’ wellness practices before and after the intervention. Wellness practice ratings were used to evaluate the immediate impact of the DPP. Areas of interest included compliance with 2015 Dietary Guidelines, physical activity, and stress management. Average weight loss was recorded. Participants filling half their plates with vegetables increased from 23% to 55%. Participants engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity increased from 18% to 60%. Participants who “Almost Always” ate in response to stress decreased from 33% to 0%. Of the participants who received emails, 80% watched the videos. 67.6% of participants lost weight, ranging from -6.4% to 10.6% weight loss and an average weight loss percent of 0.30%. Participants immediately implemented the lifestyle changes they learned from the DPP, although average weight loss was low. To better understand the impact of the DPP, future studies could evaluate the long term maintenance of lifestyle changes and compare lifestyle changes made by those who received the emails and videos, versus those who did not.