Diabetes education in primary care: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a structured group education program administered by a primary care nurse in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample included 137 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, randomized into two groups: intervention (5-week educational course and reinforcements every 4 months for one year) and control (with no structured diabetes mellitus education) with an evaluation of metabolic control, weight, blood pressure, distress scores, and knowledge on diabetes. There were no differences between the two groups in HbA1c at 4, 8, or 12 months when compared to baseline values. An increase in HbA1c was observed in the control group after adjusting for baseline HbA1c and insulin dose (p = 0.044 between groups). Knowledge scores and diabetes-related distress improved after the intervention. A structured educational program administered to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients seen at a primary care unit improved the knowledge and distress associated with the disease. The results also suggest the prevention of an increase in HbA1c.