Introduction: Seafarers and fishers have inequity in health at work, with a higher risk of having metabolic syndrome. They are at increased risk of developing prediabetes, which can be reversed to normoglycemia based on the evidence from other industries. This study aims to educate and activate seafarers and fishermen with the support of coaches to reverse their prediabetes to stop the further development of diabetes type 2.
Methods: Random samples of seafarers and fishermen with newly diagnosed prediabetes and HbA1c levels ranging from 5.7%-6.4% from the maritime medical health examinations constitute the study population in a 16-week prediabetes coaching program. In addition to monthly Zoom meetings, they are asked to provide weekly reports via questionnaires on personal measurements and improvements in physical activity and diets.
Results: The preliminary data from 2 maritime clinics (n=405) show prevalences of prediabetes 18.8%, 36.4%, and 49.2% in the ages 20-29, 30-49, and 50+ years respectively, all p-values < 0.02.
Analysis of the clinical data from the maritime health clinics and the questionnaires from the seafarers collected weekly will formulate the effect of the intervention. Summarizing data from various national prediabetes coaching fora will be the evidence base for remission of prediabetes.
Conclusions: A significant portion of seafarers have prediabetes with the potential to achieve remission of their pre-diabetes by eating healthy and being physically active. The goals are to lose at least 5%–7% of their starting weight, be accustomed to doing at least 150 min. of physical activity weekly, and follow a pre-diabetes-relevant dietary plan.