A peer support program results in greater health benefits for peer leaders than other participants: evidence from the Kerala diabetes prevention program

Abstract

Background: Peer support programs are promising approaches to diabetes prevention. However, there is still limited evidence on the health benefits of peer support programs for lay peer leaders. Purpose: To examine whether a peer support program designed for diabetes prevention resulted in greater improvements in health behaviors and outcomes for peer leaders as compared to other participants. Methods: 51 lay peer leaders and 437 participants from the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program were included. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. We compared behavioral, clinical, biochemical, and health-related quality of life parameters between peer leaders and their peers at the..