The feasibility of a community-based diabetes prevention programme for Chinese adults with pre-diabetes: A pilot study

Dr Ho, Man Mandy   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Dr Chau Pui Hing   (Co-Investigator)

12

2017-06-30

2018-06-29

150000

The feasibility of a community-based diabetes prevention programme for Chinese adults with pre-diabetes: A pilot study

Diabetes prevention, Lifestyle intervention, Pre-diabetes, Weight loss

Diabetes/Metabolism

201705159006

Seed Fund for Basic Research for New Staff

2016

Completed

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a serious chronic condition and one of the world’s fastest growing health problems. It is associated with significant morbidity, which placed an enormous burden on individual, society and the healthcare system. It caused 4.9 million deaths in 2014; a person dies from T2DM every 7 seconds. Importantly, the prevalence of T2DM and related complications continue to increase and many cases are undiagnosed, resulting in a rising disease burden. The onset of T2DM is gradual, with most individuals progressing through a state of pre-diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at increased risk of developing T2DM and its associated complications, such as heart disease and retinopathy, which can develop even in the absence of progression to overt T2DM. (1-3) Hence, it is essential that people with pre-diabetes are targeted for early intervention to prevent T2DM and related complications. A National Survey conducted in China in 2010 revealed that 50.1% of people aged 18 or older have pre-diabetes. (4) Pre-diabetes is a prevalent and potentially reversible, but often unrecognised clinical condition and it provides an important window of opportunity for healthcare providers to identify individuals at increased risk of T2DM and to implement interventions that can delay or prevent T2DM and its complications. Lifestyle intervention and self-management of pre-diabetes has been listed as an effective means of decreasing the incidence of T2DM in the international guidelines on management of pre-diabetes. (2, 5) International clinical trials demonstrated that lifestyle interventions targeting at least 5% weight loss in individuals with pre-diabetes can prevent T2DM.(6-9) The researchers of the clinical trials recommended that further research is needed to translate results of clinical trials into the community setting. Despite the recognised risk of individuals with pre-diabetes developing T2DM and the emerging evidence on the clinical and economic benefits of intervening at the pre-diabetes stage, there is a lack of community programmes to support Chinese people with pre-diabetes. Culture plays an important role in influencing people’s lifestyle. Lifestyle interventions will be appropriate and effective when tailored to the unique and specific needs and characteristics of the target group; therefore, lifestyle interventions should be designed to incorporate cultural considerations. The aim of this study is to address the gaps in current care by developing and pilot testing a culturally appropriate community-based diabetes prevention programme for Chinese people with pre-diabetes. The specific objectives of this pilot study are: 1. To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a community-based diabetes prevention programme for Chinese people with pre-diabetes; 2. To evaluate the effect of a group-based community diabetes prevention programme on weight loss and improving glycaemic control in Chinese adults with pre-diabetes; 3. To explore strategies to achieve successful weight loss and/or glycaemic control in Chinese adults with pre-diabetes.