The evaluation of a practice change to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in a rural primary care practice

Diabetes mellitus is a growing problem in the United States as well as worldwide. Research has shown that the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus can be delayed or prevented with lifestyle modifications. One primary care clinic initiated and evaluated a practice change to provide an educational program to at-risk patients to reduce the risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Three educational sessions followed by bi-weekly telephone contact was provided to participants. The aim was to reduce parameters placing participants at risk including weight and fasting blood glucose as well as increasing the self efficacy of participants to make lifestyle changes. Statistically significant changes were seen in reductions of weight, body mass index, and fasting blood glucose as well as increases in some measures of self efficacy. The evaluation of the practice change supports the continuation of this program to the primary care population