Look AHEAD: Action for Health in Diabetes

Look AHEAD is a long-term national study to determine the health outcomes of weight loss on people with type 2 diabetes, 45 - 75 years of age, who are overweight or obese. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to a Diabetes Support and Education Group or a Lifestyle Group.  For a photo of the Look AHEAD staff, click here.

Project Coordinator:
Marsha Miller
(303) 724-0267
Marsha.Miller@uchsc.edu

Purpose or description:
Look AHEAD is the first long-term (12 year) study to determine the cardiovascular health outcomes on people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight/obese and between the ages of 45 - 75. Many short-term (2 -3 years) studies have been conducted in the past, but no long-term studies. This study involves intensive screening which includes blood tests, medical evaluation, EKGs, maximum treadmill test, behavioral interviews, and medical history surveys. Participants who are eligible are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Diabetes Education and Support or Lifestyle Intervention. Both groups receive support and education on diabetes management, nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modifications. Participants in the Diabetes Support and Education meets several times per year and have the opportunity to use Look AHEAD staff as resources for questions, as well as attend special events during the year. The Lifestyle Intervention is more intensive and requires weekly meetings during the first year. All participants receive annual lab tests to monitor changes with the results forwarded to their primary care physician. There is no cost to the participant during the study. Eligible participants will also be invited to participate in sub-studies linked to the Look AHEAD Study.

Supported by (grants/foundation support/agencies, etc):
The National Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health; National Heart, Lung, Blood Association: the National Institute of Nursing Research; the National Center for Minority Healthand Disparities; the Office of Research on Women's Health; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevetnion.

Staff and/or affiliated personnel:

Principal Investigator: James O. Hill, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Judith Regensteiner, PH.D. and Richard Hamman, M.D.