Technology and Human Connection to Prevent Diabetes in Rural United States

This quality improvement pilot project implemented a diabetes prevention program using physical activity trackers and human connection to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce the risk of diabetes among adults with prediabetes from a rural primary care clinic. The outcomes included PA steps, PA minutes, the achievement of self-established PA goals, hemoglobin A1C level, weight, and body mass index. During the 3 months of the project, PA steps significantly increased, and most participants reached self-established PA goals. Overall, the program outcomes were positive. Participants and health care team members reported additional benefits and drawbacks to the project, confirming the study's feasibility. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.