JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The prevalence of diabetes is increasingly rapidly. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of a diabetes prevention program (DPP) in lifestyle modifications which can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among individuals at-risk. Digital DPPs have the potential to utilize technology, in conjunction with behavior change science, to prevent prediabetes on a national and global scale.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a digital DPP (Virgin Pulse (VP) Transform for Prediabetes) on weight and physical activity among participants who had completed twelve months of the program.

Methods:

This study was a secondary analysis of retrospective data of adults with prediabetes who were enrolled in VP Transform for Prediabetes for 12 months of the program. The program incorporates interactive mobile computing, remote monitoring, an evidence-based curriculum, behavior tracking tools, health coaching and online peer support to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Results:

The sample (N=1,095) was comprised of people with prediabetes who completed 12 months of the VP Transform for Prediabetes program. Participants included 67.7% female (n=741), with a mean age of 53.6 (SD 9.75). After 12 months, participants decreased their weight by an average of 10.9 pounds (lbs) (5.5%) (p < .001) and increased their physical activity by 91.2 (p < 0.01) minutes per week.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that VP Transform for Prediabetes is effective at preventing type 2 diabetes through significant reduction in body weight and increase of physical activity. Furthermore, these results suggest that the DPP remains effective 12 months after beginning the program. A prospective, controlled clinical study is warranted to validate these findings.