A controlled study of weight reduction in type 2 diabetics treated by two reinforcers

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate a practicable method to impr ove metabolic control and body weight in obese patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Eighteen overweight Type 2 diabetic patients received an outpa tient psychoeducational group program over 1 year, which was centered on as pects of metabolic control in diabetes. This group was compared with 18 con trol patients who did not obtain any spacial psychoeducational training. Th ere was a significant reduction of glycosylated ha moglobin and body weight over 1 year in the treatment group compared with the controls. In conclusi on, 1 year of psychoeducational training of obese Type 2 diabetic patients significantly improved body weight and glycosylated hemoglobin. Implication s are described for professional health care management of the disorder and aspects of the learning theory.