Look AHEAD: Action for Health in Diabetes (NCT00017953) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Look AHEAD: Action for Health in Diabetes
United States5,145 participantsStarted 2001-06
Plain-language summary
The Look AHEAD study is a multi-center, randomized clinical trial to examine the long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention designed to achieve and maintain weight loss. The study will investigate the effects of the intervention on heart attacks, stroke and cardiovascular-related death in individuals with type 2 diabetes who are also overweight or obese.
Who can participate
Age range
55 Years – 76 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Type 2 diabetes
* Overweight
* BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater
* If on insulin, BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater
* Blood pressure less than 160/100 mmHg
* HbA1c less or equal to 11%
* Triglycerides less than 600 mg/dl
* Willingness to participate
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable or unwilling to give informed consent or communicate with local study staff.
* Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder.
* Hospitalization for depression in past six months.
* Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past twelve months.
* Current consumption of more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week.
* Current acute treatment or rehabilitation program for these problems.
* Plans to relocate to an area not served by Look AHEAD or travel plans that do not permit full participation in the study.
* Lack of support from primary care health provider or family members.
* Failure to complete the two-week run-in for dietary intake and exercise.
* Weight loss exceeding 10 lbs. in past three months.
* Current use of medications for weight loss.
* Self reported inability to walk two blocks.
* History of bariatric surgery, small bowel resection, or extensive bowel resection.
* Chronic treatment with systemic corticosteroids.
* Another member of the household is a participant or staff member in Look AHEAD.
* Currently pregnant or nursing.
* Cancer requiring treatment in the past five years, except for non-melanoma skin cancers or cancers that have clea…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.