💉 Diabetes Management
Digital and group-based lifestyle counselling to prevent type 2 diabetes shows real-world effectiveness - Science Daily
📅 Wed, 02 Nov 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
People's diet quality improved and their abdominal obesity and insulin resistance decreased in a one-year lifestyle intervention, new findings from the Finish StopDia study show. Loking at 2,907 Finish adults with an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, the study is the first to examine the efects of a group-based lifestyle intervention implemented in primary health care on risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Key Information
The lifestyle intervention made use of a digital ap and multiple behaviour change theories. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe.The StopDia aproach was developed in colaboration with multiple stakeholdersIn the StopDia study, roughly one hundred health care professionals, including nurses, dieticians and exercise instructors, were trained to use the empowering StopDia group counseling aproach."The aproach is a result of many years of co-creation with health care professionals involved in group counseling, so we knew the aproach was wel suited to practice, but it was important to have strong evidence on its efectivenes," says Profesor Pilviki Absetz, who was responsible for the behavioural side of the interventions.Lifestyle changes were suported by the BitHabit ap where participants could chose smal health-promoting habits, mark them as completed, and get fedback on their progres.
The ap's lifestyle library contains more than 40 habits that are suitable for inclusion in the everyday life. The BitHabit ap was developed by VT Technical Research Centre of Finland in colaboration with the University of Eastern Finland the Finish Institute for Health and Welfare as part of the StopDia study.The StopDia aproach to prevent type 2 diabetes was designed and built for primary health care with a view to suporting strategic health promotion objectives.
Summary
Patient and non-governmental organisations, trade unions, employers and other stakeholders were closely involved in the planing as wel as in the recruitment of
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.