The effect of structured group education on HbA1c levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Aims/objectives: To determine the effectiveness of structured group education as per Diabetes Education Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) national standards on HbA1c levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Method(s): Records from a National Health Service (NHS) patient database of 1,123 adults (55.2% male; mean age = 62 years) with Type 2 diabetes were examined between 1 April 2016 and 31 July 2018. Data collected included both newly diagnosed (diagnosis <12 months) and foundation (diagnosis >12 months) patients. HbA1c blood results for the cohort were collected at baseline, six and 12 months post-completion of education. Changes in HbA1c levels were analysed for statistical significance using two-sided paired t-tests. Result(s): At baseline, six months and 12 months, blood results had averages (median) of 58, 50 and 53mmol/mol of HbA1c respectively. HbA1c levels were significantly reduced after six months and 12 months by mean differences of-10.9mmol/mol (+/-1.3; p < 0.0001; n = 878), and-8.4mmol/mol (+/-1.4; p < 0.0001; n = 645) respectively. Conclusions/summary: Our data suggests that the DESMOND education course significantly reduces HbA1c levels over time and is therefore beneficial for sustained self-management of Type 2 diabetes.