Implementation of a successful lifestyle intervention programme for New Zealand Maori to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle programmes have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in European populations. The participation of Maori in many mainstream health programmes is poor. This study evaluates a lifestyle intervention programme which is acceptable to Maori and which has objective outcome measures to determine the effectiveness of the programme. Thirty six Maori men and women were recruited for a 4 month programme involving modification of diet and exercise. Insulin sensitivity was measured using a euglycaemic insulin clamp, body composition using dual-energy-absorptiometry and fitness using a submaximal exercise test. Secondary outcome measures included anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin levels, and lipid profiles. There was a 24% improvement in insulin sensitivity (from 5.1 to 6.3 G/mIU/L, P=0.03, N=29). This was associated with a reduction of 3.1 kg in weight (95%CI -4 to -2) and a reduction of 7 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (95%CI -13, -1). This approach successfully reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in New Zealand Maori in the short term.