UW News

March 6, 2003

Decade-long study of weight loss and type 2 diabetes still needs participants; more than 200 already recruited

Look AHEAD, the first long-term study to look at the effects of weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes, has recruited more than 200 of the approximately 300 people being sought for the local study site. That UW-VA site is one of 16 centers nationwide, which will enroll about 5,000 people altogether.

Depending on when they begin, participants will continue in the study for nine to 11 years. Men and women between the ages of 45 and 75 who are overweight, have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and may also have a history of cardiovascular disease are being sought to participate.

While short-term benefits of weight loss are clear, long-term benefits and risks of weight loss have not been so extensively studied, especially in relation to heart attacks and strokes.

Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: “lifestyle intervention” or “diabetes support and education.”

People who meet the criteria and want to join the study, or want more information, should call 206-764-2768 or see the study site at http://www.lookaheadstudy.org