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A lifestyle medicine programme aimed at improving health
outcomes for those impacted by type 2 diabetes has achieved
significant positive results. Lifestyle medicine uses
evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat
chronic conditions.
The programme, which was developed
by PREKURE,
an organisation focused on preventative lifestyle medicine,
found 100% of participants who elected to share data
in a 12-week trial achieved reduced blood sugar
levels through its diabetes programme and
half achieved a clinically significant
reduction in their blood sugar levels.
The trial,
funded by AIA NZ,
Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest life insurer, was for a
group of its customers managing type 2 diabetes or who are
pre-diabetic.
Grant Schofield, PREKURE Chief Science
Officer, says diabetes diagnoses are on the rise, putting a
strain on New Zealand’s healthcare system, but that diet
and lifestyle changes can achieve significant health
improvements.
“Approximately one in 20 New
Zealanders have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. By
2040, this is projected to almost double to one in 10. This
is undoubtedly going to impose a huge burden both on our
health system and Kiwi families.
“But it doesn’t
have to be that way. PREKURE is centred on disease
prevention through lifestyle medicine. The 12-week trial
equipped the participants with achievable diet changes,
one-on-one health coaching, and group health coaching
sessions to keep them focused and on track towards their
goals,” says Grant.
“Seeing all participants
report a reduced blood sugar level, which is a key diabetes
indicator, compared to when they started the trial was
incredible. Participants also lost an average of 5kgs in
excess body weight throughout the trial, which was another
fantastic outcome, demonstrating the dedication they had to
the programme.
“Crucially, all those who
participated in the trial are now better equipped to
self-manage their diabetes or help reverse their
pre-diabetes diagnosis altogether.”
One participant
was able to achieve exactly that. For Tracy, high
cholesterol and pre-diabetes diagnoses at a routine GP
check-up was a shock. Motivated to act, she jumped at the
chance to join the PREKURE trial and start making lifestyle
changes for herself and her family.
Through
PREKURE’s weekly group meetings, Tracy was able to build
connections, share her journey and hear from others on the
trial. Transitioning to PREKURE’s low-carb-healthy-fat
diet, she learned about how to manage and reduce her blood
glucose levels through her food choices. It was a revelation
to learn the science behind the nutrition that best worked
for her body, creating life-changing results.
Not only
did Tracy clear her pre-diabetic status during the PREKURE
programme, she also lost nearly 10kg. The 12-week trial
became more than a step away from type 2 diabetes, but a new
lifestyle for her whole family.
AIA NZ spokesperson,
Len Elikhis, AIA NZ Chief Product and Investments Officer,
found the programme’s results and the real-world impacts
the PREKURE programme had on participants’ lives
inspiring.
“We’re proud to support a programme
which is really making a difference. We’ve already
witnessed the transformative effect it’s having on the
lives of everyday New Zealanders,” says Len.
“For
many participants, the programme was life changing. Hearing
that you are pre-diabetic or being diagnosed with type 2
diabetes is a huge wake-up call for many. Fortunately, there
is strong international evidence that metabolic conditions,
like diabetes, can be improved or reversed through
nutrition.
“With the help of the PREKURE’s
nutritional science and preventative healthcare approach and
also AIA
Vitality, our science-backed health and wellbeing
programme, we’ve heard incredible stories of people
beating their diagnosis and taking steps to live Healthier,
Longer, Better Lives.”
To find out more about the
PREKURE, visit
the website.
About AIA New
Zealand
AIA New Zealand is a leading
life insurer with over 40 years’ experience in the New
Zealand market and is part of the AIA Group, the largest
independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.
With a unique customer value proposition focused on life,
health and wellbeing, AIA New Zealand’s purpose is to help
Kiwis live Healthier, Longer, Better
Lives.
About
PREKURE
PREKURE is a high impact
social organisation and leading provider of university level
training in preventative lifestyle medicine. They are
leading a shift in the Aotearoa healthcare system towards
prevention and lifestyle medicine as treatment to prevent
chronic disease and to extend the human health span. Their
educational platforms bring scientific evidence of
prevention treatment into tangible practice and impact as
they work to train health coaches, upskill healthcare
professionals, and provide workforce development training
for corporates and
communities.
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