Participants in the Temple University study were all provided nutrition education, counseling and ongoing support in group sessions led by a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator. Topics covered in these education sessions included self-monitoring, stimulus control and relapse management. All participants were prescribed physical activity, such as walking.

"Our goal was to provide the same basic counseling that any person with diabetes would typically receive, whether newly diagnosed or living with the disease for many years," explains Dr. Foster. "In each case, the addition of the structured diet program seemed to be the catalyst for weight loss and improved blood sugar management."

Nutrisystem D Now Commercially Available

The Nutrisystem D program is now available for overweight people with type 2 diabetes. The program includes 150 pre-packaged, portion controlled meals, formulated using a low glycemic approach which emphasizes healthy whole grains, as well as low fat and low sodium foods. The Glycemic Index measures how quickly food is broken down and absorbed by the body, which impacts blood sugar, a vital factor for people managing their diabetes. A recent clinical study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that for patients with type 2 diabetes, 6-month treatment with a low-glycemic index diet resulted in moderately lower HbA(1c) levels compared with a high-cereal fiber diet.(7)

Nutrisystem customers also receive a welcome kit which includes a meal planner, a resource guide highlighting Nutrisystem tips and tools for weight loss, and an on-the-go meal planner. Nutrisystem recommends a combination of diet and exercise to lose weight. Nutrisystem D is a comprehensive weight loss program. It does not treat, cure or prevent diabetes, and is not a substitute for diabetic medications.

Source: nutrisystem/nsd