Researchers in Ecuador tested whether a 10-session program based on proven diabetes prevention methods could help Latino adults lower their blood sugar levels. The program focused on healthy eating, exercise, and motivation. One hundred twenty-six adults at risk for type 2 diabetes participated over three months. The results showed that participants’ fasting blood sugar levels dropped slightly but noticeably after the program. Women also saw improvements in blood pressure and body fat. This suggests that culturally tailored programs—ones designed specifically for Latino communities—may be an effective way to help prevent diabetes in community settings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a 10-week lifestyle program designed for Latino communities could help people at risk for type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels
  • Who participated: 126 adults aged 18 to 75 years old living in Loja, Ecuador, who had risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes
  • Key finding: Participants’ fasting blood sugar dropped from 107 to 105 mg/dL on average—a small but statistically significant improvement. Women experienced additional benefits including lower blood pressure and reduced body fat.
  • What it means for you: If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, a short, culturally relevant lifestyle program focusing on diet and exercise may help lower your blood sugar. However, this was a small study in one location, so results may vary for different groups.

The Research Details

This study was conducted in Ecuador from November 2023 to February 2024. Researchers recruited 126 adults who showed signs of being at risk for type 2 diabetes. All participants attended 10 sessions of a lifestyle program that was specifically designed for Latino communities, based on a well-known diabetes prevention program. The program taught participants about healthy eating, physical activity, and staying motivated to make changes.

Before the program started and after it ended, researchers measured several health markers. They checked blood sugar levels while participants were fasting (hadn’t eaten), measured weight and body composition, and tested cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This before-and-after approach allowed researchers to see what changed after the intervention.

The program was adapted to fit Latino culture and values, which is important because health programs work better when they match people’s backgrounds and lifestyles.

Most successful diabetes prevention programs have been tested mainly in non-Latino populations. This study is important because it shows whether these programs work when adapted for Latino communities, who have higher rates of type 2 diabetes. Testing in real community settings (rather than just clinics) helps determine if programs can actually help people in their everyday lives.

This study has some strengths: it measured multiple health markers, included both men and women, and was based on a proven diabetes prevention model. However, it’s a quasi-experimental study, meaning it didn’t have a comparison group that didn’t receive the intervention, which makes it harder to know if all the improvements were due to the program. The study was also relatively short (3 months) and conducted in only one location in Ecuador, so results may not apply to all Latino populations or longer time periods.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that participants’ fasting blood sugar levels decreased after the program. Before the intervention, the average fasting blood sugar was 107.33 mg/dL, and after the program it was 104.80 mg/dL. While this might seem like a small drop, it was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance.

Participants also lost weight during the program. Women showed more dramatic improvements than men in several areas: their systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) decreased, their body mass index improved, their waist-to-hip ratio became healthier, and they lost body fat.

Interestingly, cholesterol and triglyceride levels didn’t change significantly during the program, even though these are also important for heart health. This suggests the program’s main benefit during this short timeframe was improving blood sugar control.

Beyond blood sugar, the study found that weight loss occurred in both men and women, though women experienced greater overall improvements in metabolic health markers. The fact that women showed more improvements in blood pressure and body composition suggests that women may respond particularly well to this type of lifestyle intervention, though more research is needed to understand why.

This study builds on decades of research showing that the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) works well for preventing type 2 diabetes. The original DPP showed that lifestyle changes could reduce diabetes risk by 58% in the general population. This new study suggests that when the DPP is adapted for Latino communities—considering cultural food preferences, family structures, and values—it can still be effective at improving blood sugar control. However, the improvements here were more modest than in some previous studies, possibly because the program was shorter.

This study has several limitations to keep in mind. First, there was no control group—researchers didn’t compare the intervention group to a group that didn’t receive the program, so we can’t be completely sure all improvements came from the program itself. Second, the study lasted only three months, so we don’t know if benefits last longer or improve over time. Third, the study was conducted in one city in Ecuador, so results may not apply to Latino communities in other countries or regions. Finally, the improvements in blood sugar, while real, were relatively small, and we don’t yet know if this translates to actually preventing diabetes in the long term.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a Latino adult at risk for type 2 diabetes, participating in a culturally adapted lifestyle program focusing on healthy eating and physical activity appears to be a reasonable strategy to help lower blood sugar. This should be done alongside regular check-ups with your doctor. The evidence is moderate—this study shows promise, but more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

This research is most relevant for Latino adults who have been identified as at risk for type 2 diabetes (often determined by screening tests or family history). It may also interest healthcare providers and community organizations serving Latino populations. People already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should work with their doctors on treatment plans, though lifestyle changes are still important. This research is less directly applicable to people not at risk for diabetes.

In this study, improvements in blood sugar appeared after just 10 sessions over approximately three months. However, you shouldn’t expect dramatic changes overnight. Most people would likely need to maintain these lifestyle changes for several months to see consistent benefits. Long-term benefits (preventing diabetes over years) would require ongoing commitment to healthy habits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track fasting blood glucose levels weekly (if you have access to testing) or monthly at your doctor’s office. Also monitor weight and waist circumference weekly, as these are practical indicators of progress toward better blood sugar control.
  • Use the app to log daily physical activity (aiming for 150 minutes per week) and track meals using a food diary focused on portion sizes and whole foods. Set reminders for meal prep and exercise sessions, and log attendance at any lifestyle intervention sessions you’re participating in.
  • Create a monthly dashboard showing trends in weight, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels (if available). Set quarterly goals for increasing physical activity and improving diet quality. Share progress with your healthcare provider every 3 months to adjust your plan as needed.

This research suggests that lifestyle interventions may help lower blood sugar in people at risk for type 2 diabetes, but it is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have concerns about diabetes risk or have been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new program. Blood sugar levels should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Individual results vary, and this study was conducted in a specific population in Ecuador, so outcomes may differ for other groups. Always work with your doctor to develop a personalized diabetes prevention or management plan.