ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of lifestyle behavior modification on glycemic control among children and youth with clinically defined Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).DesignA systematic review of studies (randomized trials, quasi-experimental studies) evaluating lifestyle (diet and/or physical activity) modification and glycemic control (HbA1c).Data Sources: Bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PASCAL, Scopus, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts), manual reference search and contact with study authors.Review Methods and Study Selection: Two reviewers independently selected studies that included any intervention targeting diet and/or physical activity alone or in combination as a means to reduce HbA1c in children and youth under the age of 18 with T2D.
Results:
Our search strategy generated 4,572 citations. The majority of citations were not relevant to the study objective. One study met inclusion criteria. In this retrospective study, morbidly obese youth with T2D were treated with a very low carbohydrate diet. This single study received a quality index score of <11, indicating poor study quality and thus limiting confidence in the study’s conclusions.
Conclusion:
There is no high quality evidence to suggest lifestyle modification improves either short- or long-term glycemic control in children and youth with T2D. Additional research is clearly warranted to define optimal lifestyle behaviour strategies for young people with T2D.