Improved A1C and Lipid Profile in Patients Referred to Diabetes Education Programs in a Wide Health Care Network: A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels and caused either by a deficiency of insulin or a defect in the way the body responds to insulin.1,2 The increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes is believed to be the consequence of an aging population, increased physical inactivity and obesity, and genetic factors.3,4 Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness and renal failure,5,6 and people with diabetes who have an increased A1C level and uncontrolled lipid levels have increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Complications usually fall into three main groups: acute metabolic abnormalities, microvascular anomalies, and long-term cardiovascular disorders specific to diabetes.7 The main treatment goals for diabetes are controlling blood glucose and cholesterol levels and maintaining a normal blood pressure.8 Tight control and management of blood glucose and blood pressure has been proven to prevent or delay complications of diabetes.9 Involving patients in their care through self-management is of utmost importance to achieving these goals. Yet, self-management is difficult to attain and maintain because of the complexity of the processes involved and the lack of motivation and skills on the part of some patients.10 Frequently reported barriers to self-management11,12 include knowledge deficits, poor patient-provider communication, low self-efficacy, limitations of time or resources, financial constraints, lack of individualized and coordinated care, and lifestyle differences among family members. An extensive review of 16 studies identified barriers from five different perspectives: psychosocial, socioeconomic, physical, environmental, and cultural.13 It is widely believed that educating patients about diabetes may be a mechanism to encourage and support them in assuming active responsibility for self-management. Based on this belief, several educational programs have been developed.14,15 Diabetes education, also known as diabetes …