Conversation Maps™, an effective tool for the management of males and females with type 2 diabetes and mildly impaired glycemic control

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational tool, Conversation Maps™ (CM), combined with a weight loss program, in improving metabolic control of as well as knowledge about diabetes, in a population with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with mildly impaired glycemic control.

Methods: This is a longitudinal observational study in which 66 subjects, aged 67.8 ± 7.93, were included either in the educational program with CM, once weekly for 4 weeks (T4), combined with a weight loss regime (group A, n = 32), or in standard care with a weight loss regime (group B, n = 34), both followed for 3 months (T3M) after T4.

Results: At T4, both groups A and B had significantly lost weight and reduced waist circumference. However, group B did not lose weight or reduce waist circumference at T3M compared to T4. At T3M, only group A significantly lowered glycated hemoglobin (A1c) from baseline. At T3M, only group A had a significant increase in knowledge on diabetes therapy and foot care.

Conclusions: CM may also play a significant role in T2DM characterized by mildly impaired glycemic control. Moreover, a systematic use of CM could be suggested for management of diabetes together with lifestyle changes and a weight loss diet.

Keywords: Conversation maps; Diabetes; Education.