- Specifically targets needs of diabetic and pre-diabetic participants
- Significant reductions in weight, BMI, fasting glucose, lipids and Hemoglobin A1c levels
- 66 percent of participants able to discontinue or significantly reduce dosages of diabetic medication
DURHAM, N.C., March 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diabetes in the United States is approaching epidemic levels, and its prevalence is increasing dramatically alongside ever-greater numbers of Americans who are either overweight or obese. In fact, some 85 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. According to publicly available statistics, nearly 20 million adults have been clinically diagnosed with diabetes, with 8 million others undiagnosed but still meeting American Diabetes Criteria for the disease. Add to that the 87 million – almost 40 percent of the adult population – who are pre-diabetic, and the scope of the crisis becomes clear. It's hardly surprising that in 2012, one out of every five dollars spent on healthcare – $245 billion – went to treating diabetes.
Early in March of this year, the New York Times reported that research published in Nature Genetics offered some hope for the future. A rare genetic mutation that destroys a gene used by pancreas cells where insulin is made was found to protect even overweight people from contracting Type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of contraction by two thirds. Although work is already underway to try and develop medications that mimic the effect of the mutation, experts caution it may well take 10 to 20 years before such drugs can be brought to market. Unfortunately, for many suffering from diabetes today, 10 to 20 years can mean the difference between life and death.
While obesity is one of the most important modifiable risk factors in terms of preventing diabetes, many of those who have committed to tackling the former are already suffering with the latter. This is why Structure House, a leading residential weight loss facility in Durham, NC and its approach named the "#1 Healthiest Diet in America" by Health magazine, has been offering participants the opportunity to take part in its multi-disciplinary Diabetes Program.
"We understand that participants with diabetes have very specific needs when coming into a program like ours," says Jill Elliott, Executive Director at Structure House. "Our Diabetes Program was designed to not only meet those needs, but also to assist with the very real dangers presented by the disease itself." In addition to Structure House's approach to sustainable weight loss and lifestyle change, the Diabetes Program features:
• Weekly medical appointments with board-certified Endocrinologist
• Nutritional counseling with Certified Diabetes Educator/Registered Dietitian
• Diabetes wellness classes with Certified Diabetes Educator/Registered Nurse
• Exercise counseling related to diabetes
• Group behavioral sessions with health behavior specialists
According to research published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, participants in the Structure House Diabetes Program experienced statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions across multiple health indices related to diabetes management. Study subjects' weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, among others, were all proven to have experienced significant reductions after the four-week treatment program. Of particular interest was the significant reduction in Hemoglobin A1c from 7.5 to 6.9 in four weeks. Historically, it was thought that A1c levels were unlikely to show meaningful improvement within such a brief time period.
Remarkably, these improvements in markers of diabetic control were occurring with accompanying reductions in the number and dosages of diabetic medications. On average, patients in the Diabetes Program were able to reduce dosages by 42 percent over the four-week period, with 26 percent able to decrease the dose of at least one medication by 50 percent or more. Within the research group, 41 percent were able to eliminate at least one diabetic medication. Overall, two-thirds were able to discontinue or significantly reduce their dosage of diabetic medication. Eight percent of those who entered the program on diabetic medications had discontinued all diabetic medications at the end of the four weeks.
For more information on the Structure House Diabetic Program, contact 1-800-553-0052, or visit http://structurehouse.crchealth.com/weight-loss-program/diabetes.
About Structure House
Named the #1 Healthiest Diet in America by Health magazine, Structure House's weight loss treatment philosophy and exceptional care have enabled its clients to reclaim and enrich their lives for the last 37 years. With the most highly credentialed staff of any residential weight loss facility, Structure House provides a scientific approach to sustainable lifestyle change, and a private, safe environment of support in which to take action. Studies show that 75 percent of participants sustain weight lost during treatment as compared to the 5 percent industry standard success rate. Many participants with Type 2 diabetes exit the program with normal glucose and lipid levels, and almost two-thirds reduce or eliminate at least one diabetes medication. Structure House is a proud member of CRC Health Group, the nation's leading provider of treatment and educational programs for adults and youth who are struggling with obesity, behavioral issues, chemical dependency, eating disorders, pain management, and learning disabilities. For more information, visit: http://structurehouse.crchealth.com