Virtual Lifestyle Intervention Tailored for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Effects by Baseline HbA1c

Background: Lifestyle interventions improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) but are expensive and have limited accessibility. We recently demonstrated the efficacy of a virtual diabetes-tailored weight management program (WW, formerly Weight Watchers) on glycemic control in adults with T2D. The goal of this work was to examine effects by HbA1c at trial entry. Methods: This was a prospective 24-week single arm, three-site clinical trial in adults (N=136) with T2D and a BMI between 27-50 kg/m2; 62% (n=84) had a baseline HbA1c between 7-8% and 38% (n=52) between 8-11%. Participants received a 24-wk intervention, which included the WW digital program tailored for people with T2D (virtual workshops + the WW App). Assessments occurred at 0, wk 12, and wk 24. Primary outcome was change in HbA1c at 24 wks (83% retention). Secondary outcomes were changes in weight and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS). In an intent-to-treat analysis, generalized linear effects models were used. Results: Participants were 56.8 ± 0.8 y, 80.2% female, 62.2% non-Hispanic White. Mean baseline values for participants 8% were: BMI=36.6+0.6 kg/m2 vs. 37.4+.8 kg/m2; HbA1c=7.4+0.1% vs. 8.95+1%; weight=99.7+1.9 kg vs. 103.5+2.4kg; total DDS score=2.1+0.1 vs. 2.7+1. HbA1c decreased for both groups over time (