Developing a Lifestyle Intervention for South Asians

Better Together: Leveraging Primary Care and Social Network Resources to Create a Patient-centered Approach to Improve Diabetes Among South Asians

This study aims to test the hypothesis that a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention can improve health behaviors among South Asians with prediabetes and diabetes

This pre-post pilot study is a 16 week lifestyle program for South Asians with prediabetes or diabetes in Atlanta. Patients will participate in physician-led group visits every other week focused on improving dietary and exercise practices to reduce weight.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age > 18 years;
2. confirmed diagnosis of prediabetes or T2D (documented A1c of ≥ 5.7%, 2-hour post-load glucose of >140, or FBG of >100);
3. a family member or peer willing to participate and attend all sessions as a social influencer;
4. proficiency in English of at least one member of each dyad,
5. willingness to provide written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. type 1 diabetes or diabetes secondary to other conditions (e.g. steroid-induced, pancreatic insufficiency, or chemotherapy-induced);
2. malignancy or life-threatening illness with life expectancy of <5 years;
3. end-stage disease or serious illness that prohibits participation (e.g. end-stage renal disease or class IV congestive heart failure);
4. inability to perform unsupervised physical activity;
5. pregnancy;
6. diagnosed cognitive deficits or limited decision-making capacity;
7. alcohol or substance abuse;
8. homelessness or no fixed address.