Fasting glucose improvement following a short-term, culturally adapted lifestyle intervention in Latino adults at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a quasi-experimental study.

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is an increasingly pressing public health concern in Latin America. Lifestyle modification strategies, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) have demonstrated significant benefits in reducing diabetes risk. However, limited evidence exists regarding their effectiveness in Latino communities, particularly when implemented in culturally tailored formats.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Loja, Ecuador, from November 2023 to February 2024. A total of 126 adults aged 18 to 75 years with a FINDRISC score of 12 or higher participated in a 10-session, culturally adapted lifestyle intervention based on the DPP model. The intervention addressed motivation, physical activity, and nutrition. Anthropometric measures, body composition, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides), and fasting glucose levels were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results: Post-intervention results revealed a statistically significant reduction in fasting glucose (from 107.33 ± 20.09 to 104.80 ± 15.65 mg/dL; p = 0.030), while lipid parameters remained unchanged. Both sexes experienced reductions in weight, with women showing greater improvements in systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat mass (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term, culturally adapted lifestyle interventions may offer a feasible and effective strategy to improve glycemic outcomes among Latino adults at risk for T2D in community settings.