Predictors of lifestyle intervention outcome and dropout

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a 4.1-year (range 3-6 years) lifestyle intervention according to general public health recommendations on glucose tolerance and dropout in a Dutch population with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Subjects/Methods: In the Study on Lifestyle intervention and Impaired glucose tolerance Maastricht, 147 Caucasian IGT subjects were randomized to an intervention group (INT: n=74; 38 male, 36 female) and control group (CON: n=73; 37 male, 36 female). Annually, subjects underwent measurements of body weight, anthropometry, glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance), maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2) max), blood lipids and blood pressure. INT received individual advice regarding a healthy diet and physical activity.

Conclusions: Prolonged feasible changes in diet and physical activity prevent deterioration of glucose tolerance and reduce diabetes risk. Low socioeconomic status, low aerobic fitness and high BMI and 2-h glucose are indicative of dropout to the program.