Background: The association of obesity and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides an opportunity for risk stratification and prevention, as these two conditions are two of the most well-known risk factors for T2DM. Objective: We aimed to test the feasibility and effects of a diabetes mellitus prevention education program designed for overweight and obese Emirati with at least one parent with T2DM. Methods: Overweight and obese subjects with at least one parent with T2DM were invited to participate. Three study assessments were conducted – baseline, 3-months and 6-months – including questionnaire, anthropometry and laboratory assessments. Interventions included three individualized or family-engaged counselling sessions based on the DiAlert protocol. The study outcomes included awareness of risks and prevention opportunities to T2DM; behaviour changes in nutrition and exercise; decreased waist-circumference; and clinical/metabolic/inflammatory markers. Pre-post changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: One hundred twenty-two overweight or obese individuals were approached. Forty-four individuals met eligibility criteria, and 32 individuals (35±9 years; 75% females) completed the study. At six months, there were significant improvements in the hemoglobin HbA1c (p=0.007), high-density lipoprotein (p<0.049), serum creatinine (p<0.025), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p=0.009), and adiponectin level (p<0.024). Sixteen of 32 participants had ≥2 cm reduction in waist-circumference and demonstrated notable physical and laboratory improvements in moderate-vigorous activity, average activity counts per day, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Conclusions: Offering family-oriented diabetes education to people at risk for T2DM is well received and has favourable effects on relevant risk factors. Further better testing with large scale randomized controlled studies are need and implementation of similar educational programs for the Emirati population seems warranted.

Background: The association of obesity and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides an opportunity for risk stratification and prevention, as these two conditions are two of the most well-known risk factors for T2DM. Objective: We aimed to test the feasibility and effects of a dia...