What Kinds of Interventions Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Among Those at Risk?

New research using electronic health record (EHR) data assessed the real-world use and impact of interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention and explored the demographic differences in uptake of a lifestyle change program. Westat’s Joanne R. Campione, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., was the lead author of Use and Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Interventions, which appeared in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Data were gathered through the Longitudinal Epidemiologic Assessment of Diabetes Risk (LEADR) database, which is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data indicate that taking medication such as metformin, participating in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), and other lifestyle change programs (LCPs) have positive impacts on preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. Findings also indicated that men and Hispanic patients had lower levels of participation in LCPs, further informing on targeting health programs to improve involvement of these groups.