Effectiveness of an Adapted Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention in Older and Younger Adults.

Objectives: To compare participation, self-monitoring behaviors, and weight loss outcomes in older and younger participants in an adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention.

Design: Pre- and postevaluation of outcomes in participants enrolled in the Montana Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and DPP lifestyle intervention from 2008 through 2012.

Setting: Community.

Participants: Adults at high risk for CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (N = 3,804).

Measurements: Number of core (16 weekly sessions) and postcore (6 monthly sessions) intervention sessions attended, weekly self-monitoring of fat intake and minutes of physical activity, weight loss outcomes and achievement of the weight loss goal, and improvements in CVD-related risk factors.

Results: Participants aged 65 and older were significantly more likely to attend more intervention sessions, self-monitor their fat intake, and achieve the physical activity and weight loss goals than those younger than 65. Older and younger participants experienced significant improvements in CVD-related risk factors.

Conclusion: Older adults at high risk of CVD and diabetes mellitus participating in an adapted DPP lifestyle intervention had higher participation and self-monitoring rates than younger participants, were more likely to achieve physical activity and weight loss goals, and achieved similar CVD risk reduction.