Effectiveness of peer-supported self-management group intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of peer-supported diabetes self-management group intervention and explore a community-based diabetes health management model. Methods: From September to December in 2016, patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from 6 streets (townships) in Binhu and Xishan district of Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. According to a structured diabetes self-management course, guidance was provided by community health workers and peer volunteers. Self-management group intervention was led by type 2 diabetes patients. A self-control design was used to collect information on self-management behavior, fasting blood glucose, and health care utilization at baseline and after 4-month intervention, and compare the difference of these indicators before and after the intervention. Results: Compared with the baseline, 147 participants aged from 30 to 80 years old had more increases in proportions of salt control (78.2% vs 60.5%, P<0.001) and oil control (79.6% vs 58.5%, P<0.001) in daily diet. The P(50) (P(25), P(75)) of scores of symptom management and consultation list increased from 6 (0, 11) and 0 (0, 2) to 9 (4, 13) and 1 (0, 2) (P<0.05) after 4-month intervention. Fasting blood glucose significantly decreased from (8.8±2.9) mmol/L at baseline to (7.6±1.9) mmol/L and the control rate of blood glucose significantly increased from 29.3% to 44.2% (P<0.05) after 4-month intervention. The proportion of outpatient visited decreased from 42.2% to 12.9% and the proportion of hospitalized decreased from 10.2% to 4.1% (P<0.05) after 4-month intervention. Conclusion: Peer-supported diabetes self-management group intervention could effectively improve behavior and blood glucose control of patients with type 2 diabetes.