P123 Novel Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Curriculum Increased Skin Carotenoids and Lowered BMI Percentile in Adolescents

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Adolescent type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence increased 4.8% annually between 2002-2015 and accounts for 20% of adolescent diabetes diagnoses. Obesity is strongly correlated with T2D among adolescents. Few previous interventions show efficacy at improving adolescent eating and exercise behaviors, which could decrease the proportion of overweight and obese adolescents and reduce risk for T2D. <h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate efficacy of a novel T2D prevention curriculum on nutrition behaviors and anthropometrics in adolescents. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Quasi-experimental intervention versus control study with convenience sampling. Trained researchers taught curriculum to adolescents at three schools during mandatory health education classes, while students in three population-matched control schools received standard nutrition education in their health education classes. Six lessons incorporated elements of Social Cognitive Theory including technology, goal-setting, competition, incentives, and peer support to promote behaviors that reduce risk for type 2 diabetes. Outcome variables were assessed at baseline (T1); 1-day post curriculum delivery (T2); and 1-month follow-up (T3). <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Outcome variables included BMI percentile for age and sex, skin carotenoids, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake. Multi-level general linear mixed effects regression models, independent t-tests, and Pearson chi-square tests assessed differences in intervention effectiveness (Stata version 15). <h3>Results</h3> Adolescents in intervention group (n = 436) lowered BMI percentile (<i>P</i> = 0.011) and increased skin carotenoids (<i>P</i> < 0.001) compared to control group (n = 316), at T3 follow-up visit. No changes in SSB consumption occurred. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Novel intervention components may increase adolescent motivation and engagement, resulting in behavioral changes that reduce risk for type 2 diabetes. Future intervention designs focused on strategies shown to motivate adolescent behavior change are recommended. <h3>Funding</h3> Larry and Gail Miller Family Foundation