The Importance of Weight Change Experiences for Performance of Diabetes Self-Care: A Patient-Centered Approach to Evaluating Clinical Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of weight change experiences over time on motivation to perform diabetes self-care behaviors using data from a study of canagliflozin (an agent that inhibits sodium glucose co-transporter 2) versus glimepiride in dual therapy with metformin and background diet/exercise. METHODS: Weight and motivation for performing healthy behaviors were collected at baseline and over time. The motivation questionnaire enabled categorization into two groups: those performing or not performing health behaviors. Four distinct patterns of weight change were determined: losing weight, gaining weight, and two patterns for fluctuating weight. The relationships between these patterns and motivation for weight loss, following a diet, and exercise were examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 1182 subjects, more than half were already performing behaviors to lose weight, diet, and exercise at baseline. Among those who were not, 52% (246/474) started taking action to lose weight after baseline, 54% (241/448) started following a diet, and 42% (232/556) started exercising. Weight change patterns were significantly related to performance of healthy behaviors at follow-up (week 36). Compared to the weight gain pattern, those who experienced a continuous weight loss pattern from baseline to week 36 were 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.49, 3.37) times more likely to perform the healthy behaviors. Baseline behavior and confidence were also predictive of performing healthy behaviors. CONCLUSION: The current work highlights the importance of weight change patterns for performance of diabetes self-care. Tracking weight patterns over time, assessing confidence for performance of healthy behaviors, and being aware of the relationship between weight changes and diabetes self-care behaviors are viable, concrete ways to practice patient-centered care. FUNDING: Janssen Global Services, LLC. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13300-015-0145-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.