Reducing The Modifiable Risks of Cardiovascular Disease in Turkish Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Effectiveness of Training

Our goal was to reduce the number of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) through providing lifestyle adjustment training and counseling to patients with type 2 diabetes. In this pre–post intervention study, 139 patients with diabetes were provided with training to reduce the modifiable risks of CVD. One hundred three patients attended the post-training evaluation. Two phone counseling sessions were provided with 1-month intervals. Consumption of red meat and processed food decreased and water consumption, carrying on the recommended diet, and the frequency of exercise increased (p = .000), A1C decreased (p = .05), and the use of aspirin increased (p = .03). Thus, a contribution to the reduction of CVD risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes was achieved. The training program for reducing CVD risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes was effective in improving nutrition and lifestyle behaviors and decreasing glycemic control.