One-year follow-up effects of diabetes rehabilitation for patients with prolonged self-management difficulties

The effectiveness of diabetes self-management education intervention on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk in adults with type 2 diabetes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a significant challenge to public health. Effective diabetes self-management education (DSME) interventions may play a pivotal role in the care of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A specific up-to-date systematic review is needed to assess the effect of DSME interventions on glycaemic control, cardiometabolic risk, self-management behaviours, and psychosocial well-being among T2DM across LMICs. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, and Cochrane databases were searched on 02 August 2022 and then updated on 10 November 2023 for published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. The quality of the studies was assessed, and a random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled effect of diabetes DSME intervention. Heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and subgroup analyses were performed. Egger's regression test and funnel plots were used to examine publication bias. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trial (RoB 2). The overall assessment of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. A total of 5893 articles were retrieved, and 44 studies (n = 11838) from 21 LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Compared with standard care, pooled analysis showed that DSME effectively reduced the HbA1c level by 0.64% (95% CI: 0.45% to 0.83%) and 1.27% (95% CI: -0.63% to 3.17%) for RCTs and quasi-experimental design studies, respectively. Further, the findings showed an improvement in cardiometabolic risk reduction, diabetes self-management behaviours, and psychosocial well-being. This review suggests that ongoing support alongside individualised face-to-face intervention delivery is favourable for improving overall T2DM management in LMICs, with a special emphasis on countries in the lowest income group.

Effectiveness of the Chronic Care Model in Type 2 Diabetes Management in a Community Health Service Center in China: A Group Randomized Experimental Study

OBJECTIVE

The Chronic Care Model, based on core elements of team-centered care in chronic diseases, has widely been accepted. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the Chronic Care Model in type 2 diabetes management.

METHODS

A group randomized experimental study was conducted. Twelve communities of the Zhaohui Community Health Service Center in Hangzhou, China, were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n = 6) receiving the Chronic Care Model-based intervention and a control group (n = 6) receiving conventional care. A total of three hundred patients, twenty-five for each community, aged ≥18 years with type 2 diabetes for at least 1-year duration, were recruited. Data of health behaviors, clinical outcomes, and health-related quality of life (Short-Form 36-item questionnaire) were collected before and after a 9-month intervention and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and linear mixed regression. A total of 258 patients (134 in intervention and 124 in control) who completed the baseline and follow-up evaluations and the entire intervention were included in the final analyses.

RESULTS

Health behaviors such as drinking habit (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.75), physical activity (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.18, 7.25), and diet habit (OR = 4.30, 95% CI: 1.49, 12.43) were improved. The intervention group had a remarkable reduction in glycated hemoglobin (from 7.17% to 6.60%, P < 0.001). The quality of life score changes of the role limitation due to physical problems (mean = 9.97, 95% CI: 3.33, 16.60), social functioning (mean = 6.50, 95% CI: 2.37, 10.64), role limitation due to emotional problems (mean = 8.06, 95% CI: 2.15, 13.96), and physical component summary score (mean = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.22, 5.39) were improved in the intervention group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The Chronic Care Model-based intervention helped improve some health behaviors, clinical outcomes, and quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients in China in a short term.

Impact of a multidisciplinary intensive education program on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients' glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary intensive education program (MIEP) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients' outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective study was used to evaluate the impact of MIEP on T2DM patients' outcomes for between May 2016 and May 2017. Data were collected from the diabetes education clinic in King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where patients were referred from diabetes outpatient clinics to the diabetes education clinic to receive MIEP. In terms of measuring the clinical outcomes of the T2DM patients, glycemic control, blood pressure, weight, and lipid profiles were assessed before MIEP at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: A total of 174 patients with T2DM fulfilled study inclusion criteria. The results indicate improved glycemic control where patients' HbA1c and blood sugar levels were significantly reduced 3, 6, and 12 months after MIEP compared to the baseline (p less than 0.005). Moreover, blood pressure improved after education; a significant improvement was observed in the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline to 12 months (p=0.036), and in the mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after 12 months (p=0.016). Additionally, the study found significant differences in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 6 months after the intervention (p=0.014, p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Implementing an MIEP for T2DM patients can improve their clinical outcomes, which consequently may delay the disease's long-term complications.

An expanded model of diabetes care based in an analysis and critique of current approaches

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To examine and critique various models guiding the care and education of people with diabetes, to develop more helpful and effective approaches to care. The focus is on relationships and communication between patients and healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND

Many patients are not adhering to the recommended treatments, hence it seems that effective diabetes care is difficult to achieve, particularly for patients of lower socio-economic status, who are disproportionately afflicted. The results are usually devastating, and lead to serious health complications that incisively diminish quality of life for patients with diabetes, frustrate healthcare providers and increase healthcare costs.

DESIGN

Critical review.

METHOD

This paper represents a critical review of various approaches to diabetes care and education. A CINAHL search with relevant key words was carried out and selected exemplary research studies and articles describing and/or evaluating the various approaches to diabetes care and management were examined. Particular attention was paid to how the paradigmatic underpinnings of these approaches construct patient - healthcare provider relationships.

CONCLUSION

The literature revealed that the traditional top-down approaches to care were largely ineffective, while collaborative approaches, based in respect and taking the whole persons and their unique situations into account, were found to be central to good care. Further, an integration of the different kinds of knowledge contained in the various approaches can complement and extend one another.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Avoiding devastating complications by improving the management of diabetes and overall quality of life of patients is a worthwhile goal. Therefore expanding diabetes care beyond the traditional bio-medical model to develop more effective approaches to care is of interest to all healthcare professionals working in this area.

The Impact of Patient Education on Anthropometric, Lipidemic, and Glycemic Parameters Among Patients With Poorly Controlled Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A 3-Month Prospective Single-Center Turkish Study

This study evaluated the impact of patient education on adherence to a diabetes care plan (e.g., anthropometric, lipidemic, and glycemic parameters) among adults with type II diabetes mellitus without adequate glycemic control. A total of 61 ambulatory adults with type II diabetes mellitus (mean age: 53.6 ± 8.2 years, 70.5% female) were evaluated for anthropometrics, duration of diabetes mellitus, type of anti-diabetic treatment, blood biochemistry, and glycemic parameters in this 3-month prospective observational single-center study. During the course of the study, participants demonstrated a significant decrease in body weight and fat percentage and HbA1c (p < .001 for each). None of the factors evaluated was a significant determinant for glycemic parameters. These findings revealed that adults with type II diabetes mellitus who received education on adherence to routine self-monitoring of blood glucose, standard diabetic diet, and an exercise program delivered by certified diabetes educators had better glycemic control and significant decrease in body weight and fat percentage over a 3-month monitoring period.

Positive psychological characteristics in diabetes: a review

Positive psychological characteristics, such as optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience, have been increasingly associated with improved outcomes in medically ill individuals. However, there has been minimal systematic review of these characteristics and their associations with outcomes in people with diabetes. We aim to review these associations, their potential mediating mechanisms, and the evidence supporting interventions targeting these qualities. In people with diabetes, positive psychological characteristics are significantly associated with improved glycemic control, fewer complications, and reduced rates of mortality. Potential mechanisms mediating these associations include behavioral factors (e.g., improved treatment adherence), reduced inflammation, and improved neuroendocrine and autonomic functioning. Most psychosocial treatments in this population have focused on improving self-efficacy and resilience; such interventions may improve quality of life, well-being, and diabetes self-care. While untested in diabetes, interventions to boost other positive characteristics have been effective in other medically ill patients and may warrant further study in this cohort.

Diabetes empowerment, medication adherence and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that empowerment is an important factor to address everyday aspects of dealing with a chronic disease. This study evaluated the effect of diabetes empowerment on medication adherence and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data on 378 subjects with type 2 diabetes recruited from two primary care clinics in the southeastern United States were examined. Previously validated scales were used to measure diabetes empowerment, medication adherence, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes self-care behaviors (including diet, physical activity, blood sugar testing, and foot care). Multiple linear regression was used to assess the independent effect of diabetes empowerment on medication adherence and self-care behaviors controlling for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

Eighty-three percent were non-Hispanic blacks, 69% were women, 22% were 65 years or older, 68% were not married, 26% had less than high school education, 60% were unemployed, 39% were uninsured, and 47% had a yearly income <$10,000. Empowerment had significant correlations with medication adherence (r=0.17, P<0.003), diabetes knowledge (r=0.16, P=0.007), diet (r=0.24, P<0.001), exercise (r=0.25, P<0.001), blood sugar testing (r=0.12, P=0.043), and foot care (r=0.18, P=0.002). In the regression model, diabetes empowerment was significantly associated with medication adherence (β=-0.04, P=0.001), diabetes knowledge (β=0.09, P=0.012), diet (β=0.09, P<0.001), exercise (β=0.10, P<0.001), blood sugar testing (β=0.07, P=0.016), and foot care (β=0.08, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample, diabetes empowerment was related to better diabetes knowledge, medication adherence and improved self-care behaviors. Emphasis on empowerment and self-efficacy is relevant to improve outcomes in the management of diabetes.

Self-classification as an adult in patients with type 1 diabetes: relationships with glycemic control and illness coping

OBJECTIVE

Previous community research has demonstrated the link between adult self-classification and health behaviors. The present study investigated the extent to which individuals with type 1 diabetes (ages 18-30 years) classified themselves as adults as compared with individuals without diabetes. Adult self-classification was examined in relation to illness coping and glycemic control.

METHODS

A total of 194 patients and 287 control individuals participated. Adult self-classification was assessed using a single item, coping was assessed using the Diabetes Coping Measure, and glycemic control was determined by HbA(1c) values.

RESULTS

Compared with control participants, more patients classified themselves as adults. Furthermore, adult self-classification was positively related to glycemic control. Structural equation modeling indicated that coping mediated the relationship between adult self-classification and glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with diabetes classified themselves as adults more often than did their peers without diabetes, possibly due to their need to master their lives when confronted with diabetes. Adult self-classification appeared to function as a resource for glycemic control through its relationship with specific coping strategies.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The present study underscores the need to assess adult self-classification in individuals with diabetes. Our findings call for a developmentally tailored transition from pediatric to adult care.

Effectiveness of small-group interactive education vs. lecture-based information-only programs on motivation to change and lifestyle behaviours. A prospective controlled trial of rehabilitation inpatients

OBJECTIVE

Although patient education may promote motivation to change health behaviours, the most effective method has not yet been determined.

METHODS

This prospective, controlled trial compared an interactive, patient-oriented group program with lectures providing only information. We evaluated motivational stages of change and self-reported behaviours in three domains (sports, diet, relaxation) at four times up to one year (60% complete data) among 753 German rehabilitation inpatients (mean age 50 years, 52% male) with orthopaedic (59%) or cardiologic disorders (10%) or diabetes mellitus (31%).

RESULTS

We found improvements between baseline and follow up regarding each outcome (p<.001) in both groups. At the end of rehabilitation, participants of the interactive group, as compared to the lectures, showed more advanced motivation regarding diet (p<.10) and sports (p=.006). Interactive group patients reported healthier diets both after 3 months (p=0.013) and 12 months (p=0.047), more relaxation behaviours (p=.029) after 3 months and higher motivation for sports after 12 months (p=.08).

CONCLUSIONS

The superior effectiveness of the interactive group was only partly confirmed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This short, 5-session interactive program may not be superior to lectures to induce major sustainable changes in motivation.

Effect evaluation of a Motivational Interviewing based counselling strategy in diabetes care

AIM

The present study assessed the effects of a Motivational Interviewing (MI) based counselling training for nurses on clinical, behavioural and process outcomes among diabetes type 2 patients.

METHODS

The study is an RCT with follow-up measurements after 12 and 24 months. Thirty-three nurses and 584 patients participated. Nurses in the experimental condition received the training; control group nurses were trained after the study. The training consisted of two training sessions, two follow-up meetings, written feedback and three direct feedback sessions. Basic MI-principles and techniques and an MI-based counselling protocol were addressed.

RESULTS

Results indicated disadvantageous effects on fat intake and HDL and advantageous effects on chance locus of control and knowledge. No effects were found on vegetable or fruit intake, physical activity, HbA1c, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, health care climate, quality of life or on self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

As in other MI studies, mixed results were found. It would be premature to recommend dissemination of MI in diabetes care. More studies are needed in real-world settings with health care professionals of the field instead of intensively trained MI interventionists. Knowledge should be gained about adequate training and factors contributing to the implementation of MI in daily practice.

Self-management support in "real-world" settings: an empowerment-based intervention

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the impact of a 6-month, empowerment-based diabetes self-management support (DSMS) intervention on clinical outcomes, self-care behaviors, and quality of life (QOL) compared to a 6-month control period.

METHODS

This control-intervention cohort study recruited 77 African-American adults with type 2 diabetes. Baseline, 6-month, and 12-month assessments measured A1C, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipids, self-care behaviors, and QOL. During the control period, participants received weekly educational newsletters. During the intervention period, participants attended weekly DSMS groups as frequently as they needed. Sessions were guided by participants' self-management questions and concerns, and also emphasized experiential learning, coping, problem-solving, and goal-setting.

RESULTS

The control period found significant improvements for diastolic BP (p<0.05), serum cholesterol (p<0.001), following a healthy diet (p<0.01), and monitoring blood glucose (p<0.01). The intervention period found significant additional improvements for A1C (p<0.001), weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), and LDL (p<0.001). Compared to the control period, participation in the intervention led to a significant reduction in A1C (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that an empowerment-based, DSMS intervention is promising for improving and/or maintaining diabetes-related health, particularly A1C.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Incorporating empowerment principles in DSMS interventions may be useful for supporting patients' self-management efforts in "real-world" settings.

Adherence to a diabetic care plan provides better glycemic control in ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes

Tight control of blood sugar improves the outcomes for diabetic patients, but it can only be achieved by adhering to a well-organized care plan. To evaluate the effect of a diabetes care plan with reinforcement of glycemic control in diabetic patients, 98 ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes who visited our diabetes clinic every 3-4 months and who completed four education courses given by certified diabetes educators within 3 months after the first visit, were defined as the Intervention group. A total of 82 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria for the Intervention group but who missed at least half of the diabetes education sessions were selected as controls. Both groups had comparable mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at baseline, which decreased significantly at 3 months and were maintained at approximately constant levels at intervals for up to 1 year. The HbA1c decrement in the Intervention group was significantly greater than that in the Control group over the 1-year follow-up period (HbA1c change: -2.5 +/- 1.8% vs. -1.1 +/- 1.7%, p < 0.01). The maximal HbA1c decrement occurred during the first 3 months, and accounted for 95.6% and 94.6% of the total HbA1c decrements in the Intervention and Control groups, respectively. In the multiple regression model, after adjustment for age, body mass index, and duration of diabetes, the Intervention group may still have a 12.6% improvement in HbA1c from their original value to the end of 1 year treatment compared with the Control group (p < 0.05). Diabetes care, with reinforcement from certified diabetes educators, significantly improved and maintained the effects on glycemic control in ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes.

Web-based guided insulin self-titration in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Di@log study. Design of a cluster randomised controlled trial [TC1316]

BACKGROUND

Many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are not able to reach the glycaemic target level of HbA1c < 7.0%, and therefore are at increased risk of developing severe complications. Transition to insulin therapy is one of the obstacles in diabetes management, because of barriers of both patient and health care providers. Patient empowerment, a patient-centred approach, is vital for improving diabetes management. We developed a web-based self-management programme for insulin titration in T2DM patients. The aim of our study is to investigate if this internet programme helps to improve glycaemic control more effectively than usual care.

METHODS/DESIGN

T2DM patients (n = 248), aged 35-75 years, with an HbA1c > or = 7.0%, eligible for treatment with insulin and able to use the internet will be selected from general practices in two different regions in the Netherlands. Cluster randomisation will be performed at the level of general practices. Patients in the intervention group will use a self-developed internet programme to assist them in self-titrating insulin. The control group will receive usual care.Primary outcome is the difference in change in HbA1c between intervention and control group. Secondary outcome measures are quality of life, treatment satisfaction, diabetes self-efficacy and frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes. Results will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.

DISCUSSION

An internet intervention supporting self-titration of insulin therapy in T2DM patients is an innovative patient-centred intervention. The programme provides guided self-monitoring and evaluation of health and self-care behaviours through tailored feedback on input of glucose values. This is expected to result in a better performance of self-titration of insulin and consequently in the improvement of glycaemic control. The patient will be enabled to 'discover and use his or her own ability to gain mastery over his/her diabetes' and therefore patient empowerment will increase. Based on the self-regulation theory of Leventhal, we hypothesize that additional benefits will be achieved in terms of increases in treatment satisfaction, quality of life and self-efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Register TC1316.

Identity development, coping, and adjustment in emerging adults with a chronic illness: the sample case of type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE

The present study focused on identity development in emerging adults (aged 18-30 years) with type 1 diabetes. The three study aims were to examine the following: (1) whether identity development was affected by having diabetes, as compared with development in a nondiabetic sample; (2) how identity development was related to depressive symptoms, coping with diabetes, and diabetes-related problems in the diabetic sample; and (3) whether the pathways from identity development to problems with diabetes and depressive symptoms were mediated through coping strategies in the diabetic sample.

METHODS

A total of 194 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes and 344 nondiabetic emerging adults participated.

RESULTS

First, using analyses of variance, some mean identity differences between the diabetic and comparison samples were found, with emerging adults with diabetes scoring lower on proactive identity exploration. Using cluster analysis, we found that the same identity types or statuses emerged in both the diabetic and nondiabetic samples. Second, in emerging adults with diabetes, these identity statuses were differentially related to diabetes-related problems, depressive symptoms, and illness coping, with the identity statuses representing a strong sense of identity being accompanied by less diabetes-related problems and depressive symptoms and more adequate coping strategies. Third, using structural equation modeling, the pathways from a strong sense of identity to diabetes-related problems and depressive symptoms were mediated through adaptive and maladaptive coping.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be sensitive to the normative task of identity development in emerging adults with diabetes because identity development can function as a resource in coping with and adjusting to diabetes.

The Effects of Interventions on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Persons With Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is increasingly used to measure the outcomes of interventions among people with chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of interventions for adults with diabetes on HRQL, as measured by the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaire.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The systematic review was conducted using the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration. Studies reporting SF-36 scores before and after an intervention focused on adults with diabetes were obtained from searches of multiple bibliographic databases. The mean changes and standardized mean differences between pre- and post-intervention were reported as outcome measures. Pooled estimates were obtained using random effects models.

RESULTS

: We identified 33 studies examining a wide range of interventions, including diabetes education and behavioral modifications (15 studies), pharmacotherapy (11 studies), and surgery (7 studies). Interventions generally demonstrated improvement in HRQL. When all available profile scores were examined together, the ranges of mean changes in scores were as follows: surgery for treating diabetes comorbidities, 15.0 to 42.0 point improvement; surgery for treating diabetes complications, -13.0 to 37.9; pharmacotherapy using insulin to optimize glycemic control, -4.6 to 27.6; pharmacotherapy for treating comorbidities, 3.8 to 33.2; pharmacotherapy for treating complications, -2.6 to 14.6. Pooled effects from 5 randomized controlled trials of educational interventions demonstrated significantly improved physical function [3.4 (95% CI, 0.1-6.6)] and mental health [4.2 (95% CI, 1.8-6.6)], and a decrease in bodily pain [3.6 (95% CI, 0.6-6.7)].

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of interventions can improve HRQL among adults with diabetes, but the magnitude of effects varied with the interventions. The mechanism of these changes needs to be further examined in the future research.

Empowering discourse in patient education

OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature review, using a metasummary technique for qualitative studies (n=15) was conducted to describe the nature of empowering discourses between patient and nurse.

METHODS

Computerised searches from 1995 to October 2005 were conducted on the Ovid Medline database using the keywords empower(*), power(*), resource(*), participat(*), facilitat(*), negotiat(*), communicat(*), interact(*), dialog(*), discours(*), discuss(*), encount(*), conversat(*) and 'nurse-patient relations'. All statements concerning empowering discourse were integrated into 29 abstracted findings. Frequency and intensity effect sizes were then calculated.

RESULTS

Empowering discourses vary from study to study. Analysed as a whole, an empowering discourse has specific characteristics and structure. Both patients and nurses have essential roles within this type of discourse and their relationship is characterized by an appreciation of each other's expertise within these roles.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review show empowerment during discourse between patient and nurse has a complex and multifaceted but analysable nature. More research is needed to find systematic methods of empowering discourse.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The results of this study increase nurses' understanding of empowering methods in patient education identifying ways of facilitating patient empowerment.

Patient empowerment in theory and practice: polysemy or cacophony?

OBJECTIVE

This paper examines how the term "empowerment" has been used in relation to the care and education of patients with chronic conditions over the past decade.

METHODS

Fifty-five articles were analysed, using a qualitative method of thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Empowerment is more often defined according to some of its anticipated outcomes rather than to its very nature. However, because they do not respect the principle of self-determination, most anticipated outcomes and most evaluation criteria are not specific to empowerment. Concerning the process of empowerment, our analysis shows that (i) the educational objectives of an empowerment-based approach are not disease-specific, but concern the reinforcement or development of general psychosocial skills instead; (ii) empowering methods of education are necessarily patient-centred and based on experiential learning; and (iii) the provider-patient relationship needs to be continuous and self-involving on both sides.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis did not allow for the unfolding of a well-articulated theory on patient empowerment but revealed a number of guiding principles and values.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The goals and outcomes of patient empowerment should neither be predefined by the health-care professionals, nor restricted to some disease and treatment-related outcomes, but should be discussed and negotiated with every patient, according to his/her own particular situation and life priorities.