Reduction of risk factors following lifestyle modification programme in subjects with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Exercise and improved diet is known to be beneficial in the management of type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. In practice, however, it is difficult for patients to implement these changes unaided. We hypothesized that a lifestyle modification programme involving residential visits would result in beneficial effects on glycaemic control and lipid profile. Three hundred and four individuals with type 2 diabetes participated in a lifestyle modification programme, involving three residential visits (2 weeks, 1 week and one 3-day visit) spaced over 31 weeks. The subjects were all referred for treatment following repeated failure to achieve metabolic control in primary care settings. Participants received information and practical guidance regarding exercise training, nutrition, as well as stress management and psychological counselling. Clinical parameters were determined at each visit. After completion of the programme, subjects showed significant improvements in glycaemic control (P<0.0001). Oxygen uptake was significantly improved (P<0.0001) and blood pressure (P<0.0001), body mass index (P<0.0001) and serum cholesterol (P<0.001) was significantly reduced, while HDL cholesterol (P<0.05) was significantly increased. There were no changes in LDL cholesterol values. Subjects also reported increased well-being and reduced stress. In conclusion, a 31-week lifestyle modification programme results in marked improvements in glycaemic control, blood pressure and well-being in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Thus, this type of lifestyle modification programme is a powerful treatment option to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and diabetic complications, even in patients who have not responded to conventional diabetic therapy.