A lifestyle medicine programme aimed at improving health outcomes for those impacted by type 2 diabetes has achieved significant positive results. Lifestyle medicine uses evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat chronic conditions.
The programme, which was developed by PREKURE, an organisation focused on preventative lifestyle medicine, found 100% of participants who elected to share data in a 12-week trial achieved reduced blood sugar levels through its diabetes programme and half achieved a clinically significant reduction in their blood sugar levels.
The trial, funded by AIA, was for a group of its customers managing type 2 diabetes, or who are pre-diabetic.
PREKURE chief science officer, Grant Schofield, says diabetes diagnoses are on the rise, putting a strain on New Zealand’s healthcare system, but that diet and lifestyle changes can achieve significant health improvements.
“Approximately one in 20 New Zealanders have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. By 2040, this is projected to almost double to one in 10. This is undoubtedly going to impose a huge burden both on our health system and Kiwi families.
“But it doesn’t have to be that way. PREKURE is centred on disease prevention through lifestyle medicine. The 12-week trial equipped the participants with achievable diet changes, one-on-one health coaching, and group health coaching sessions to keep them focused and on track towards their goals,” Schofield says.
“Seeing all participants report a reduced blood sugar level, which is a key diabetes indicator, compared to when they started the trial was incredible. Participants also lost an average of 5kgs in excess body weight throughout the trial, which was another fantastic outcome, demonstrating the dedication they had to the programme.
“Crucially, all those who participated in the trial are now better equipped to self-manage their diabetes or help reverse their pre-diabetes diagnosis altogether.”
AIA chief product and investments officer, Len Elikhis, found the programme’s results and the real-world impacts the PREKURE programme had on participants’ lives inspiring.
“We’re proud to support a programme which is really making a difference. We’ve already witnessed the transformative effect it’s having on the lives of everyday New Zealanders,” Elikhis says.
“For many participants, the programme was life changing. Hearing that you are pre-diabetic or being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is a huge wake-up call for many. Fortunately, there is strong international evidence that metabolic conditions, like diabetes, can be improved or reversed through nutrition.
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