CONCLUSIONS Despite a compelling theoretical base , research ers have only minimally studied the value of interventions targeting patients ' social networks on diabetes care .
OBJECTIVES In the care of patients with type 2 diabetes , self-management is emphasised and studied while theory and observations suggest that patients also benefit from social support .
We sought to assess the effect of social network interventions on social support , glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes .
Family PArtners in Lifestyle Support (PALS): Family-Based Weight Loss for African American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Objective To develop and test a family-centered behavioral weight loss intervention for African American adults with type 2 diabetes . Methods In this r and omized trial , dyads consisting of African American adult with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes ( index participant ) paired with a family partner with overweight or obesity , but not diagnosed with diabetes , were assigned in a 2:1 ratio to a 20-week special intervention ( SI ) or delayed intervention ( DI ) control group . The primary outcome was weight loss among index participants at 20 weeks follow-up . Results One hundred-eight participants ( 54 dyads – 36 ( SI ) and 18 ( DI ) dyads ) were enrolled : 81 % females ; mean age , 51 years ; mean weight,103 kg ; and mean BMI , 37 kg/m2 . At post-intervention , 96 participants ( 89 % ) returned for follow-up measures . Among index participants , mean difference in weight loss between groups was −5.0 kg , p<.0001 ( −3.6 kg loss among SI ; 1.4 kg gain in DI ) . SI index participants showed significantly greater improvements in hemoglobin A1c , depressive symptoms , family interactions , and dietary , physical activity , and diabetes self-care behaviors . SI family partners also had significant weight loss ( −3.9 kg ( SI ) vs. −1.0 kg ( DI ) p=0.02 ) . Conclusions A family-centered , behavioral weight loss intervention led to clinical ly significant short-term weight loss among family dyads
CONCLUSIONS Despite a compelling theoretical base , research ers have only minimally studied the value of interventions targeting patients ' social networks on diabetes care .
OBJECTIVES In the care of patients with type 2 diabetes , self-management is emphasised and studied while theory and observations suggest that patients also benefit from social support .
We sought to assess the effect of social network interventions on social support , glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes .