Behavior Modification for Adult Onset Diabetes

A pilot project tested the feasibility of applying behavior change techniques to improve weight and diabetic control among outpatient adult onset diabetics. The results indicated: 1. significantly greater improvements in fasting blood glucose levels among 31 patients receiving education in behavior modification than among 8 patients not receiving the education 2. that a minimum of four sessions were necessary for an effective intervention, as reflected in reduction of both fasting blood sugar and weight, and 3. that the five subjects attending four sessions lost a mean of 4.8 pounds (2.18 kgs.) or three times as much weight as those attending less than three sessions. Although small in numbers, this pilot project is significant because it uses behavioral techniques not previously reported with adult diabetics. Diabetes educators would benefit from integrating these techniques of behavior modification into their programs, and using them to replicate this study or further research within their own practice.