ABSTRACT
Background: The Ministry of Health of Chile and selected obesity specialized centers implemented an interdisciplinary pilot program for overweight adults at risk of diabetes to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Aim To assess the results of this program. Patients and methods: Beneficiaries of the public primary health system aged 18-45 years, with a body mass index (BMI) 25-38 kg/m² and fasting blood glucose 100-125 mg/dL or with any direct family member with T2D, were recruited. During the four months of the study, they were scheduled for three physician visits, four dietitian consultations, 14 physical activity sessions and four group workshops (two with a psychologist or therapist). In fasting blood samples, at the beginning and at the fourth month, glucose, insulin and lipids were determined. The Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated. Results: Two hundred-seventy-six patients were recruited and 160 (141 women), completed the four months of follow up. In this subgroup, at the start and end of the intervention, a BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m² was observed in 69 percent and 52 percent of subjects respectively, a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg was observed in 24 percent and 6 percent respectively, a diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg was observed in 28 percent and 9 percent respectively, a blood glucose equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL was observed in 61 percent and 19 percent respectively, a plasma insulin equal to or greater than 12,5 fi Ul/rnl was observed in 49 percent and 34 percent respectively and a HOMA equal to or greater than 2.5 was observed in 63 percent and 42 percent respectively (all these comparisons are significant with a p <0.05). Conclusions: In those patients that completed the follow up period, this intervention induced a significant decrease of some CVRF, such as BMI, fasting glucose levels...