“More Health, Less Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis and Prevention Program” – Pilot Project

Introduction: An increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is expected in the upcoming years, both in Portugal and worldwide. A significant concern is the high number of individuals who are unaware of their condition or who are at risk of developing it, reflecting a critical public health issue. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be prevented in high-risk individuals targeting lifestyle modifications, which may reverse modifiable risk factors. The National Diabetes Program created the “More Health, Less Diabetes – Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis and prevention Program,” a community-based lifestyle intervention program, consisting of educational sessions aiming to improve health literacy, leading to habits change. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the program, validate the effectiveness of its interventions and assess its outcomes, facilitating its nationwide implementation. Methods: A total of 23 participants at moderate or high risk of developing T2DM were included and underwent a 12-month educational intervention. Anthropometric data and responses to the FINDRISC, EQ-5D-5L, PREDIMED, and adapted IPAQ questionnaires were evaluated at the beginning and end of the program. Results: After 12 months in this program, there were statistically significant reductions in body weight (from 81.9 kg to 78.8 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (31.2 kg/m2 to 30.0 kg/m2, p < 0.001), and waist circumference (104.5 cm–100.17 cm, p < 0.001) and significant improvements in the risk of developing T2DM (p = 0.001), physical activity levels (p = 0.035), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.035), and anxiety/depression levels (p = 0.007). Conclusion: This program proved effectiveness reducing the risk of developing T2DM, showing potential for national implementation, in primary healthcare settings. Its major advantage is the emphasis on the primary prevention of a highly prevalent, chronic disease with significant healthcare costs.