Family Health Traditions for Type 2 Diabetes

(FIGHT for Life Trial)

This trial aims to help Black families in Southwest Georgia improve their health by adopting better lifestyle habits to prevent type 2 diabetes. Families will participate in a 16-week program called Families Implementing Good Health Traditions for Life. In this program, adults follow a special diabetes prevention plan, while children engage in a similar program tailored for them. It targets families with a parent who has slightly high blood sugar levels (prediabetes) and is willing to commit to the program. Participants should be able to engage in physical activities and plan to stay in the area for the next 20 months. As an unphased trial, this study offers families the opportunity to participate in innovative research aimed at improving community health.

The trial excludes people taking medications that might affect the study's results, so you may need to stop certain medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team to see if they are allowed.

Research shows that family-focused programs for managing type 2 diabetes are generally safe. Studies have found that these programs help people improve self-care and increase their knowledge about diabetes without causing harm. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), part of the Families Implementing Good Health Traditions for Life, proved effective in similar situations. Earlier studies showed it reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, indicating the program's positive reception.

Researchers are excited about the "Families Implementing Good Health Traditions for Life" program because it targets Type 2 Diabetes prevention by involving entire families in lifestyle changes. Unlike standard treatments that often focus solely on medication or individual behavior change, this approach includes both adults and children in a 16-week curriculum based on the CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program. By engaging families as a unit, the program aims to create lasting health habits across generations, potentially reducing the incidence of diabetes more effectively than individual-focused interventions.

Research has shown that involving families in diabetes care can greatly improve health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes. These programs enhance self-care, social support, and understanding of diabetes. In one study, educating families about health led to better blood sugar control and self-care habits. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) found that lifestyle changes with family support reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58%. This trial will implement the "Families Implementing Good Health Traditions for Life" program, where families meet weekly for 16 weeks to encourage healthy lifestyle changes, demonstrating the powerful impact of family involvement in managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.²⁴⁶⁷⁸