In-Home Weight Loss Program for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Delivered by Interactive Cable Television Technology

The majority of patients with Type 2 Diabetes are obese and weight loss is known to improve diabetes outcomes and reduce the need for anti-diabetic medical. The overall goal of this study is to explore the human engineering issues of a home (non-clinical) telehealth system, Healthium, utilizing an interactive television system over a broadband connection.

The study seeks to demonstrate a convenient, intuitive and inexpensive way to conduct large-scale interventions related to obesity and nutrition. This could lead to a viable public health care initiative for prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes. The specific aims to be addressed are Aim #1: To transfer a successful internet-based weight loss program onto the Healthium interactive platform and further develop the intervention for use in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Aim #2: To conduct focus groups to determine consumer acceptability of the convenience and intuitiveness of the Healthium interface. Aim #3: To perform a pilot study in patients with Type 2 diabetes to determine whether the Healthium interface improves weight loss and diabetes outcomes relative to standard clinic-based treatment over a period of 8 weeks.

Inclusion criteria

Clinical Diagnosis of TYpe 2 Diabetes, Body Mass Index 25-35; Ability to read at 8th grade level, have a working television set in the household, be willing to complete daily exercise and diet logs for the 8-233k study; be willing to attend at least 3 clinic visits; Under care of physician for diabetes -

Exclusion criteria

Evidence of cardiac, renal, or other endocrine diseases; clinical evidence of a substance abuse or mental illness; pregnancy or anticipated pregnancy; breastfeeding; excessive alcohol consumption; anticipated major lifestyle changes

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