Summary:
In adults with prediabetes in rural Bangladesh, a 12-month, mosque-based, faith-integrated lifestyle intervention significantly reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 42.5% compared to usual care (standard health advice with leaflet and referral), though it was associated with no reported adverse effects.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults aged 25–65 years with prediabetes in rural Bangladesh, identified using glucose tolerance testing per WHO criteria. |
| Intervention | A 12-month lifestyle intervention delivered monthly in mosques, integrating Islamic teachings with dietary and physical activity guidance, led by imams and trained female assistants. |
| Comparison | Usual care consisting of standard health advice, educational leaflet, and referrals to local health services at enrollment. |
| Outcome | The intervention group showed a significantly lower 12-month cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes (9.8% vs 17.1%; absolute risk reduction: 7.3 percentage points; relative risk reduction: 42.5%). Secondary outcomes—including weight, BMI, blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profiles, diabetes knowledge, physical activity, and quality of life—also improved significantly more than in the control group. |
Source: Bishwajit Bhowmik, et al. “Faith-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Diabetes Prevention Among Adults in Bangladesh: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.” Read article here.
