Week 3 – Peer Response 2

Responding to Navneet Athwal

Thank you for your post. I agree with you; there is a significant amount of research supporting the effectiveness of selecting lifestyle interventions in preventing the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. The 96 million adults who have prediabetes without knowledge of whether they have this condition is a large and alarming number. If great care is not taken, these adults are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The focus of your project on implementing lifestyle interventions involving diet and exercise to reduce A1C levels and prevent the progression to diabetes is expected to achieve a lot in preventing the development of diabetes in at-risk populations. Although some risk factors for the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, such as genetic disposition and age, cannot be modified with this intervention, available wealth of evidence shows that the development of type 2 diabetes can be avoided and totally prevented by making lifestyle changes that focus on reducing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight, changing eating habits, and getting more physically active (Uusitupa et al., 2019). Diet alone has been found to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 33% (Uusitupa et al., 2019). A combination of healthy eating and physical activity has been found to further reduce that risk by 50% among high-risk populations (Magkos et al., 2020).

However, to increase the effectiveness of your project, you will also focus on tackling the issue of non-adherence to the intervention among the target population. Therefore, you must integrate elements of health education, increase awareness of prediabetes, related risk factors, and the need to adhere to the lifestyle modifications established by the project, and educate people about their prediabetes status and risk.

References

Magkos, F., Hjorth, M. F., & Astrup, A. (2020). Diet and exercise in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nature Reviews Endocrinology 2020 16:10, 16(10), 545–555. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-020-0381-5

Uusitupa, M., Khan, T. A., Viguiliouk, E., Kahleova, H., Rivellese, A. A., Hermansen, K., Pfeiffer, A., Thanopoulou, A., Salas-Salvadó, J., Schwab, U., & Sievenpiper, J. L. (2019). Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes by Lifestyle Changes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2019, Vol. 11, Page 2611, 11(11), 2611. https://doi.org/10.3390/NU11112611

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PEER RESPONSE 2:

By: Navneet Athwal

The growing prevalence of prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that often precedes type 2 diabetes, poses significant individual and community health challenges. In the United States alone, approximately 96 million adults have prediabetes, with many unaware of their condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This condition increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. My capstone research inquiry focuses on the implementation of lifestyle interventions involving diet and exercise to reduce A1C levels and prevent the progression to diabetes. Addressing this need is critical not only for individuals with prediabetes but also for the broader community, as diabetes-related healthcare costs and complications place a heavy burden on healthcare systems. By identifying and implementing effective interventions, my research aims to contribute to diabetes prevention efforts at both individual and community levels.

The primary reason for selecting lifestyle interventions as the focus of my capstone research is the overwhelming evidence supporting their effectiveness in preventing the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can reduce the risk of diabetes by 58% in individuals with prediabetes (Knowler et al., 2020). These findings suggest that simple yet sustainable changes in daily habits can yield significant health benefits for at-risk populations. Furthermore, lifestyle interventions have been shown to improve overall metabolic health, reduce cardiovascular risk, and enhance quality of life. My research inquiry is designed to explore the specific elements of these interventions that contribute most effectively to reducing A1C levels, providing actionable insights for healthcare providers and community health programs aiming to mitigate the diabetes epidemic.

One of the key needs driving my capstone research is the recognition that certain populations are disproportionately affected by prediabetes and diabetes. Minority communities, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, have higher rates of both prediabetes and diabetes compared to their white counterparts (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2023). Socioeconomic factors, such as limited access to healthy foods, safe environments for physical activity, and healthcare, exacerbate these disparities. My research aims to address these inequities by exploring how culturally tailored lifestyle interventions can be more effective in reaching and engaging these populations. By examining the barriers that individuals from vulnerable communities face in adopting healthier behaviors, my findings will help inform community-based programs designed to reduce these disparities and improve overall population health.

Week 3 – Peer Response 2

My research inquiry also emphasizes the role of community-based interventions in addressing the prediabetes epidemic. Community health programs that provide education, support, and resources for lifestyle changes have proven effective in promoting long-term behavior change (Ali et al., 2021). These programs often include group-based interventions, peer support, and collaborations with local organizations to improve access to healthy foods and physical activity options. My research will investigate the success factors of these community programs, particularly in low-income or rural areas where access to healthcare and preventive services is limited. By focusing on the community context, I aim to provide evidence that can guide the development of scalable and sustainable programs tailored to the needs of diverse populations. This approach will ensure that my research findings can be applied broadly, addressing both individual and community-level needs.

The anticipated findings from my research have the potential to significantly address the needs that prompted my inquiry into diabetes prevention. By demonstrating the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in reducing A1C levels, my research will contribute valuable insights into best practices for diabetes prevention. These insights can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community health leaders about the most effective strategies for supporting individuals with prediabetes. Additionally, my focus on health disparities and community-based interventions will ensure that my findings are relevant for addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Ultimately, I believe that my research will contribute to a more comprehensive approach to diabetes prevention, one that is inclusive, evidence-based, and capable of reducing the public health burden posed by diabetes.