Prediabetes and lifestyle habits in Reunion Island: Need for targeted interventions

BACKGROUND: Prediabrun is a cohort study of prediabetic patients settled in primary care in Reunion Island, focusing on the transition to diabetes. This study aimed to analyze the lifestyle habits of the first 330 prediabetics included. METHODS: A dietary score was calculated from the food frequency questionnaire to assess the adherence of participants to the National Nutrition and Health Plan 4 (PNNS-4) recommendations (-14 to 13.25). Physical activity was classified according to the WHO recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate activity per day. RESULTS: The mean dietary score of the participants was 3.7 with an equal distribution of patients between ‘moderately close’ and ‘close’ adherence to PNNS-4 recommendations. Although the average perception of their dietary balance (6/10) seemed consistent with the mean dietary score, there was no correlation between the two variables. The main discrepancies concerned fruits and vegetables consumption: only 2.4% consumed at least five fruits or vegetables per day, and less than half at least one. About 9/10 prediabetic subjects declared 30 minutes of physical activity per day, mainly consisting of walking, and housework. Prior knowledge of prediabetes had no impact on the lifestyle habits. DISCUSSION: Effective management of prediabetes requires a balanced diet and regular physical activity to avoid evolution to diabetes. These study results highlight the necessity of lifestyle interventions to assist prediabetic patients in modifying their habits. While subjects perceived their dietary balance to be adequate, they did not comply with dietary recommendations, regardless of their knowledge of their prediabetic condition. This indicates the need for specific dietary and physical activity support, easily accessible that can be prescribed by physicians and reimbursed by the national healthcare system. KEY MESSAGES: • Prediabetics in Reunion Island need targeted lifestyle interventions to improve adherence to dietary recommendations. • Prediabetic patients in Reunion Island require specific dietary and physical activity support, easily accessible and reimbursed by the national healthcare system.