MT CVD and DM Prevention Project Update

The Montana Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Prevention Program has been underway for the past eight months promoting lifestyle change to decrease the incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The first group of participants completed the 16 session core curriculum at the end of the summer, and is now enrolled in the six month follow-up phase. Throughout the 16 weeks participants worked towards the goals of 7 % weight loss and 150 minutes/week of physical activity.

Preliminary data from the four sites show a total enrollment of 355 participants, with 293 completing the 16 week core curriculum. Participants lost an average of 14.6 pounds or 6.6 % of their total body weight. The 7 % weight loss goal was achieved by 45 % of the participants and 38 % of participants met the physical activity goal over half of the time. Ninety-seven percent of participants lost weight and reductions were seen in blood pressure, LDL, blood glucose levels, triglycerides and total cholesterol.

The six month follow-up period that participants are in now is referred to as the After Core. During the After Core, participants attend six monthly face to face meetings covering a wide variety of topics including diet, exercise, diabetes risk factors, healthful cooking and others related to weight maintenance. This phase of the program provides critical ongoing support to participants still working on lifestyle changes.

The four sites have also started enrolling participants for the next 16 week session and some have groups currently underway. Sites will be enrolling 125 participants for the next year with half starting in the fall and the other half starting after the New Year.