IDOLcImproving Diabetes Outcomes Through Lifestyle Change (IDOLc) Translation Study

This research project has two primary specific aims in the Partners HealthCare clinical population and setting: To compare the effects of two interventions, a translation of the Look AHEAD lifestyle behavioral intervention program with usual care (UC) (brief nutrition counseling and referral to Nutrition Services, the current standard), on the primary outcome of weight loss and secondary outcomes of HbA1c, blood pressure, fasting lipid levels, and prescription medication (doses and costs) for diabetes and its related conditions. We hypothesize that participants who receive the translation of the Look AHEAD program will lose significantly more weight and have lower glycemia, blood pressure, cholesterol, and drug doses and costs for these conditions than participants who receive UC. To compare the effects of the two interventions on health behaviors, self-efficacy, diabetes-specific quality-of-life and patient satisfaction with quality of care. We hypothesize that participants who receive the translation of the Look AHEAD program will be more satisfied with their care and will experience greater improvements in health behavior, self-efficacy, and diabetes-specific quality-of-life compared to participants who receive UC. Secondary specific aim: To assess the cost-effectiveness of the two interventions and the potential cost savings in terms of reductions in medication doses. In the current environment, a cost effective approach to lifestyle change is imperative. The costs and benefits of the interventions in this project will be carefully analyzed.