Age-specific improvements in impaired fasting glucose and vitamin D status using a lifestyle intervention programme in overweight and obese Saudi subjects

The present study aimed to determine the health benefits of a 3-month lifestyle interventional programme with emphasis on lowering dietary fat content and increasing sunlight exposure in overweight and obese hyperglycemic subjects according to age. Saudi overweight and obese subjects (n=221) with fasting blood glucose between 5.6-6.9 mmol/l underwent a 3-month self-monitoring lifestyle intervention programme. Subjects were divided based on age into 3 groups: 1 (12-17 yr), 2 (18-45 yr) and 3 (46-70 yr). Overall, the 3 month follow up data identified significant improvement in fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and vitamin D levels as compared to baseline values (P values 2.2x10(-4), 8.6x10(-4), 0.001 and 7.6x10(-5) respectively). Analysis by age groups determined significant improvement in fasting blood glucose in both group 1 (P=0.003) and 2 (P=0.035); systolic and diastolic blood pressure also reduced significantly in group 1 (P=0.029 and 0.006) and group 2 (P=0.001 and 0.006) respectively. Group 2 also showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels (P=3.6x10(-6)) whilst group 3 appeared to only reduce their BMI significantly (P=0.008). Analysis within groups revealed 27.3%, 25% and 17.6% of group 1, 2 and 3 were able to improve their fasting blood glucose levels. In conclusion, a 3 month intervention in lifestyle can lead to improved fasting blood glucose and vitamin D status in younger people whilst older people only appear to substantially improve their BMI. As such, these studies highlight that intervention in the young could provide benefits for long-term health whilst these benefits would appear to be reduced with age.