Impact of interpersonal counseling on the blood sugar and lipid profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects (nutrition health education and diabetes mellitus)

Abstract

Aim: To determine the impact of interpersonal counseling (IPC) on the physiologic indicators (blood glucose, Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile) of T2DM subjects. Setting and Design: This was a case control intervention study wherein stable type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects were enrolled from biochemistry laboratories. Materials and Methods: Stable T2DM subjects who were willing to participate in the study (N = 60) were enrolled. The T2DM subjects in the experimental group were imparted nutrition health education (NHE) through IPC at home with the help of flash cards and a booklet. The IPC was given every month over a period of 4 months. The T2DM control group did not receive any intervention. The main outcome measures were blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile. Statistical Analysis: Student’s ‘t’ test and paired ‘t’ test were done. Results: Four months of NHE led to a significant reduction in the fasting blood glucose (FBG; 14.2%) and HbA1c levels indicating a physiologic fall with good metabolic control. NHE also resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC; P < 0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; P < 0.001), and non high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C; P < 0.001), thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: Advocacy measures need to be developed and adopted to sensitize and build the capacities of diabetic subjects.