Custom program helps people living with diabetes control blood sugar

The six-month single-arm clinical trial was conducted across three sites and the researchers examined the effectiveness of the virtual WeightWatchers program on glycemic control and weight loss among 136 participants living with Type 2 diabetes. Results demonstrated that the Weight Watchers diabetes- tailored program had clinically meaningful and statistically significant effects, including:

Reduction in HbA1c. an Average decrease in participants' HbA1c levels at three and six months that exceeded standards set by the FDA for approval of pharmacotherapy.

Average body weight loss of 5.7 percent and decrease in waist circumference by more than two inches. A modest weight loss of at least five percent of a person's body weight can help lead to health benefits - including improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar.

There was a decrease in diabetes distress by 9.8 percent. Participants experienced reduction in emotional burden, regimen-related stress and overall diabetes distress. Built on WeightWatchers' science-backed approach, the tailored program did help people living with diabetes build and maintain healthy habits based on their needs and lifestyle.