Development of an Intensive Lifestyle Modification Program for Type 2 Diabetes Remission: A Study at Ongkharak Hospital Diabetic Clinic in Nakhon Nayok Province

Abstract

     This study was action research approach aiming to develop an intensive lifestyle modification program for type 2 diabetes remission at the Diabetic Clinic, Ongkharak Hospital, Nakhon Nayok Province. The study was conducted from March to November 2025, spanning 9 months. Qualitative samples comprised 15 medical and public health personnel for program development. Quantitative samples included 39 type 2 diabetes patients for program evaluation. Research tools included focus group discussion guidelines, diabetes knowledge assessment forms, attitude questionnaires, self-care behavior questionnaires, and satisfaction assessment forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Paired t-test), while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

     Results revealed that the intensive lifestyle modification program comprised eight main components: development of proactive care systems, multidisciplinary team creation, in-depth diabetes remission education, systematic behavior modification, technology support utilization, patient participation enhancement, specific dietary planning, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. After program implementation, HbA1c levels decreased from 7.8 ± 1.2% to 6.2 ± 0.8%, body weight decreased by an average of 6.40 kg, BMI decreased from 27.4 ± 3.1 to 24.8 ± 2.6 kg/m², knowledge scores increased from 12.68 ± 2.15 to 15.82 ± 1.28, self-care behavior scores improved from 38.97 ± 12.17 to 65.32 ± 10.68, and attitude scores increased from 32.60 ± 3.85 to 34.68 ± 2.21, all statistically significant at the .001 level (t= 8.92, 12.85, 3.47 respectively). The developed system enabled diabetes patients to achieve remission and showed high satisfaction with the program (39.71 ± 5.70 points).