Montreal Heart Institute's Diabetes Prevention Clinic, backed by Sun Life Financial, has reported that during its first year, the clinic’s 180 participants with type 2 diabetes have shown significant improvement.
The program involves a multidisciplinary team of health practitioners that meets periodically with participants and gives them the tools they need to make healthy lifestyle changes and improve their health. This multidisciplinary program is offered at the Montreal Heart Institute's EPIC Center, thanks to a donation of $450,000 from Sun Life.
Most participants lost weight
A year into the program, 72% of participants reduced their waist circumference by an average of 5 cm; 80% lost weight, with patients losing an average of 3.72 kg (8 lb); and 67% reduced their circulating insulin levels by an average of 29.54 pmol/L.
In addition, 77% reduced their glycated hemoglobin (average blood sugar over 3 months) by 0.6 % and 64% improved their fasting glucose levels, with a drop of 7.6%. Sixty per cent of participants reduced their triglycerides by 9.5% and 60% increased their good cholesterol (HDL) by 5%.
"These are impressive results after just one year! I congratulate the patients who undertook this challenge and I thank the clinic's health care professionals who've helped guide them on their road to recovery," stated Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada. "With so many Canadians affected by diabetes, Sun Life is committed to fighting the disease and its potentially serious complications. This initiative aligns with our purpose, which is to help our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. "
Minimizing complications
"Lifestyle is better than medication for treating diabetes, and doesn't involve the side effects frequently associated with medication. The clinic delivers the best tools to patients, so they can minimize complications related to their disease," said Dr. Martin Juneau, Director of Prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute and Diabetes Prevention Clinic supervisor.
