Nutrition & Diabetes (Apr 2023)

A scalable, virtual weight management program tailored for adults with type 2 diabetes: effects on glycemic control

  • John W. Apolzan,
  • Jessica Gokee LaRose,
  • Stephen D. Anton,
  • Robbie A. Beyl,
  • Frank L. Greenway,
  • Edmond P. Wickham,
  • Autumn Lanoye,
  • Melissa N. Harris,
  • Corby K. Martin,
  • Tiffany Bullard,
  • Gary D. Foster,
  • Michelle I. Cardel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-023-00234-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Background The objective was to test the efficacy of a scalable, virtually delivered, diabetes-tailored weight management program on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods This was a single arm, three-site clinical trial. Participants had baseline HbA1c between 7–11% and BMI between 27–50 kg/m2. Primary outcome was change in HbA1c at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes in body weight, waist circumference, the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), quality of life (IWQOL-L), and hunger (VAS). Generalized linear effects models were used for statistical analysis. Results Participants (n = 136) were 56.8 ± 0.8 y (Mean ± SEM), 36.9 ± 0.5 kg/m2, 80.2% female, 62.2% non-Hispanic white. Baseline HbA1c, weight, and total DDS score were 8.0 ± 0.09%, 101.10 ± 1.47 kg, and 2.35 ± 0.08, respectively. At week 24, HbA1c, body weight, and total DDS decreased by 0.75 ± 0.11%, 5.74 ± 0.50%, 0.33 ± 0.10 units, respectively (all p < 0.001). Also, at week 24, quality of life increased by 9.0 ± 1.2 units and hunger decreased by 14.3 ± 2.4 units, (both p < 0.0001). Conclusions The scalable, virtually delivered T2D-tailored weight management program had favorable and clinically meaningful effects on glycemic control, body weight, and psychosocial outcomes.