Lifestyle Modification for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention in Overweight Youth

There is mounting concern about the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth, especially in light of rising childhood obesity rates at younger ages. The health costs of T2D are notable both for the individual and society, and so interventions that can help prevent the development of T2D in early life are needed. Fortunately, there is promising evidence from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and other randomized trials with adults that the onset of T2D can be prevented through sustainable lifestyle changes. However, intervention programs have not been tested in young children who are "at risk" for developing the disease, even though this may be a critical period for obesity onset and for the formation of early eating and physical activity habits.

The primary aim of the proposed study was to test a family-based intervention that targets improvements in excess weight gain, metabolic and cardiovascular profile, and diet and physical activity in 4 - 8 year old children who are "at risk" for T2D. Specifically, 60 families were randomized either to one of two treatments: Lifestyle Modification for Diabetes Prevention (LMDP, N= 30) or Nutrition and Physical Activity Information (NPA, N= 30). The LMDP intervention trained families in behavioral strategies to increase parent and child intake of fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods, to limit intake of energy-dense foods, and to increase daily physical activity. A physical activity "tool kit" for the home environment was provided to families. Supporting information about T2D and obesity, as well as nutrition and physical activity, also were provided. Besides the participating parent-child pair, other adult family members with T2D (eg, grandparents, aunts, uncles) were encouraged to participate. The LMDP activities were intended to reduce children's excess body weight and improve their metabolic and cardiovascular measures, to help prevent the onset of insulin resistance. The NPA intervention only received basic information on T2D and obesity, and nutrition and physical activity recommendations. Changes in child body composition, metabolic and cardiovascular measures, and behavioral outcomes were evaluated at 6 months (ie, end-of-treatment) and 12 months (ie, follow up). Changes in parent weight status and the home food environment were secondary outcomes and were assessed as potential mediators of child outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 4-8 years old
• Age- and sex-specific BMI ≥95th percentile

Exclusion criteria

• Children with serious medical conditions
• Children who show signs of elevated psychopathology, as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
• Children of parents with significantly elevated psychiatric disorders