Outcomes of a Latino Community-Based Intervention for the Prevention of Diabetes: The Lawrence Latino Diabetes Prevention Project

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300357
• Publication Date: 2011-12-15T20:51:32Z
• Authors: Ira S. Ockene; Trinidad L. Tellez; Milagros C. Rosal; George W. Reed; John Mordes; Philip A. Merriam; Barbara C. Olendzki; Garry Handelman; Robert Nicolosi; Yunsheng Ma
• Keywords: Calorie; Cancer Prevention

Objectives. We tested the effectiveness of a community-based, literacy-sensitive, and culturally tailored lifestyle intervention on weight loss diabetes risk reduction among low-income, Spanish-speaking Latinos at increased risk. Methods. Three hundred twelve participants from Lawrence, Massachusetts, were randomly assigned to care (IC) or usual (UC) between 2004 2007. The was implemented by trained individuals community. Each participant followed for 1 year. Results. participants’ mean age 52 years; 59% had less than high school education. 1-year retention rate 94%. Compared with UC group, IC group modest but significant (−2.5 vs 0.63 lb; P = .04) clinically meaningful in hemoglobin A1c (−0.10% −0.04%; .009). Likewise, insulin resistance improved significantly compared group. also greater reductions percentage calories total saturated fat. Conclusions. developed an inexpensive, sensitive prevention program that resulted loss, HbA1c, high-risk Latino population.