Behavior stages of a physician- and coach-supported cloud-based diabetes prevention program for people with prediabetes

INTRODUCTION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Prevention Program recognition requires successful program completion by a cohort of at least five people with prediabetes. Such programs have generally been “in-person” and provided by a qualified coach from a recognized program. A cohort of 10 patients with prediabetes was enrolled in a physician’s office to use the cloud-based Type II Diabetes Prevention Module in an effort to achieve recognition. Module use was supported by the physician and a qualified coach. The purpose of this article is to evaluate Module performance relative to behavior stages associated with long-term behavior modification. METHODS: The Module employs a web application supporting diabetes prevention education and a mobile application that is an electronic diary and virtual coach. A dashboard allows an efficient review of user performance and the ability to send users notifications of support from the user’s coach or physician. The cohort of 10 patients with prediabetes was offered Module use upon diagnosis of prediabetes. RESULTS: All 10 patients with prediabetes offered Module use agreed participation. Six have completed educational sessions, made diary entries, and have met the 5% Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Prevention Program weight loss target prior to 6 months of Module use. This high success rate (60%) is contrary to behavior stages often associated with long-term behavior modification. CONCLUSION: The strength of the physician–patient relationship appears to allow patients with prediabetes to skip or advance rapidly through behavioral stages in the process of lifestyle modification.