Diabetes Self-management Education Research Articles

Self Care Management of Diabetes

The world's elderly population with diabetes is growing and self-management has its challenges, not only because of the complications that age brings, but also because of possible co-existing diseases. It is important to identify the influence of age and its complications of diabetes self-management, so that effective and efficient strategies can be created to combat the complications associated with the disease. Elderly diabetics are a heterogeneous group with varying clinical, functional and psychosocial characteristics and, in order to achieve efficient and effective self-management, specific self-management behaviors must be taken into account on an ongoing basis in order to avoid complications. An individualized, multi-faceted approach to diabetes management should be taken and an investment should be made in diabetes self-management education. Therefore, this review focuses on the influence of advanced age and its complications on the the elderly diabetes self-management and proposes strategies for effective self-management of the disease.

Effect of Diabetes Self-management Education in Diabetics after Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Diabetes Self-management Education in Diabetics after Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Participants' Perspectives on Diabetes Self-Management Programming at Church: Faith-Placed Versus Faith-Based Approach.

The purpose of the study was to explore Hispanic adults' experiences participating in the Building a Healthy Temple diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) cluster randomized trial and collect their insights on intervention approach, delivery, content, impact, and suggested improvements for future DSMES programs delivered at church. Focus groups were conducted with participants from both intervention arms, that is, faith-based (FB) group and faith-placed group. Participating churches were predominantly Hispanic and located in San Antonio, Texas. Focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was performed with the assistance of NVivo software to code and categorize emerging themes. A total of 138 adult participants took part in the current study. Participants in both groups highly valued the church setting for its convenient location and support system and reported positive changes in diabetes-related beliefs, knowledge, skills, behaviors, and health outcomes. FB participants appreciated the incorporation of spiritual teachings and facilitation by lay leaders, which created a sense of empowerment and improved outlook on living with diabetes. Church holds promise as a setting for DSMES program delivery in Hispanic communities. Church-based DSMES programs using a FB approach may further facilitate program adoption and sustainability.

Diabetes self-care intervention strategies and their effectiveness in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.

Diabetes poses a significant public health challenge, predominantly affecting low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), including in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The evolving landscape characterized by resource constraints, gaps in availability and functionality of healthcare system, and socio-demographic impediments has compounded these challenges. As an example, self-care interventions have played a crucial role in diabetes care. However, the effectiveness of these interventions in the SSA remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, this systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and implementation approach of diabetes self-care interventions in SSA. A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to identify studies focusing on diabetes self-care interventions in SSA from 2013 to 2023. The included studies reported interventions targeting dietary adherence, physical activity, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, and educational or support programs. The quality of the studies was assessed using the JBI checklist. Effectiveness was assessed through outcomes including glycemic control, adherence rate, complication reduction, and improvement in patient outcomes. Overall, 38.5% of interventions result showed positive changes in either primary or secondary outcomes. Studies that employed diabetes self-management education showed positive changes in approximately 28.6% of cases. However, SMS text messaging interventions did not demonstrate significant changes in the measured outcomes. Of the 13 studies reviewed, 12 used randomized controlled trial designs, whereas one study employed a quasi-experimental approach. The total of participants across intervention and control groups was 3172 adults with diabetes. The interventions employed various strategies including diabetes self-management education led by nurses and other professionals, SMS text messaging for treatment adherence, and other targeted approaches. The duration of these interventions varied from 2 to 12 months. Specific interventions, such as glucose machine provision with training, family support with culturally tailored educations, and periodontal treatment, exhibited notable improvement in adherences and reductions in HbA1c levels. The review underscores the significance of diabetes self-care interventions in SSA, showing varying effectiveness levels across different strategies. It emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches and highlight interventions that have shown promising outcomes, providing insights for future research, policy, and healthcare strategies in the region.

Digital Health Tools and Behavioral Strategies to Increase Engagement With Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support: Design and Feasibility of DM-BOOST.

The purpose of the study was to describe the development and feasibility of implementing the DM-BOOST program in support of an established diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) program. A patient panel of 4 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) codesigned DM-BOOST. DM-BOOST is a patient-focused program that includes peer-written text messages about diabetes self-management behaviors and digital health training to improve patient portal use and initiate goal setting prior to a scheduled DSMES appointment. Adults with T2DM and A1C ≥8.0% participated in a 6-month feasibility pilot. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either DM-BOOST or usual care. Outcomes included DSMES engagement (scheduled and attended DSMES appointments) and changes in diabetes self-efficacy and treatment satisfaction. Pilot participants (n = 60) were 60.0% female with mean age 45.5 years (SD 8.3) and A1C 10.1% (SD 1.8%). All DM-BOOST participants (30/30, 100%) had DSMES appointments scheduled compared to 86.7% of usual care (26/30). DM-BOOST participants had fewer DSMES appointment no-shows/cancellations (3/30, 10%) compared to usual care (10/26, 35%). There was greater improvement in diabetes self-efficacy in the DM-BOOST group compared to usual care and no difference in treatment satisfaction. DM-BOOST, leveraging peer-written text messaging and digital health training, increased DSMES engagement. Implementation of DM-BOOST was determined to be feasible, with several system-level barriers identified, including obtaining provider referrals and scheduling appointments. An effectiveness trial of DM-BOOST is needed to evaluate the impact on clinical outcomes.

Utilization of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Among Medicare Beneficiaries Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes in Arkansas, 12 Months Postdiagnosis (2015-2018).

The purpose of the study was to determine the rate of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) utilization among Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) and Medicare Advantage (MA) populations with type 2 diabetes in Arkansas. The Arkansas All-Payer Claims Database was used to identify Medicare FFS and MA beneficiaries diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from 2015 to 2018. Claims from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed to determine newly diagnosed individuals from 2015 to 2018. The criteria included 1 outpatient diabetes claim in the index year and at least 1 inpatient or outpatient claim in the 2 years following the initial claim. A total of 15 648 Medicare FFS individuals and 7520 MA individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were identified. The use of DSMES 1 year following the diagnosis dates for both Medicare FFS and MA populations was assessed. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to understand the factors associated with DSMES utilization. DSMES utilization consistently remained lower in the MA population compared to Medicare FFS (2.3% vs 4.9%). The adjusted analysis indicated that factors such as older age, living in a rural area, belonging to a racial group other than White, and MA enrollment were associated with a lower likelihood of receiving DSMES. DSMES utilization in Arkansas, where the prevalence of diabetes is higher than the national average, is notably low. There is a need for coordinated efforts at various levels to enhance access to DSMES.

Combined Diabetes Education/Skills Training and Social Needs Resolution Intervention for Older African Americans with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes (DM Social Needs): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Approximately 11.3% of the US population has diabetes. The burden of diabetes is higher in older adults and African Americans (AAs), such that 40% of adults aged 50 years and older have diabetes; African Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). Structural racism has resulted in fewer economic and educational opportunities for AAs, higher social risks, and unmet basic needs, which result in financial instability, housing instability, food insecurity, and a lack of transportation compared to NHWs. The presence of these unmet basic needs is a driver of poor adherence to diabetes self-management in older AAs. To test the preliminary efficacy of a nurse case-manager, telephone-delivered intervention that provides foundational diabetes self-management education and skills training, while also addressing and resolving the unmet social needs of older AAs with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The primary hypothesis is that older AAs with T2DM randomized to the DM Social Needs intervention will have significantly lower hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), blood pressure, and LDL levels compared to the usual care arm at 6 months post randomization. This is a three-year prospective, randomized clinical trial that will enroll 100 AAs aged 50 and older with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and HbA1C ≥ 8% into one of the following two groups: (1) a nurse case-manager, telephone-delivered intervention that provides foundational diabetes self-management education and skills training, but also addresses and resolves unmet social needs; or (2) an enhanced usual care group that will receive mailed diabetes education materials. Participants will be followed for 6 months to determine the effect of the intervention on HbA1C, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Baseline characteristics will be presented by study group, and within- and between-group changes in primary outcomes from baseline to 6 months will be reported. The results from this study will provide insights into the efficacy of a combined diabetes education and skills training and social needs resolution intervention for older African Americans with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and will inform strategies to improve diabetes outcomes for this vulnerable population.

8122 CGM use and its Impact on Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors: Insights from a Pilot Study Paving the Way for Targeted Interventions in Specialty Clinic

Abstract Disclosure: K.M. St. Jean: None. P. Underwood: None. R. Longo: None. J. Keels: None. J. Upadhyay: None. Introduction: Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use is increasing. While the relationship between CGM use and improved diabetes (DM) clinical outcomes is well known (lower hemoglobin A1c (A1c), reduced hypoglycemia events), the mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. Further, the factors that contribute to successful CGM use by patients and whether CGM use influences diabetes self-management behavior (DMB) change are still undetermined. Objective: To understand the extent to which personal CGM use influences DMB versus user-blind CGM. In addition, patient satisfaction and provider perspective were evaluated during the study. Methodology: A pilot-randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted on 30 patients (15 libre-professional CGM and 15 libre 2 CGM). Adults (18-80y) with an ICD-10 diagnosis of DM within the past 12 months, A1c >8% measured within the past 6 months, stable weight within the past 3 months (BMI ± 2 units), able to speak, read, and write English, and a negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing age seen in the Lahey Endocrine Clinic were included.Exclusion criteria included evidence of personal CGM device use prior to the trial, addition of new oral or injectable hypoglycemic agents within 3 months of trial start, current or anticipated acute use of steroids, pregnancy, medical conditions that, per investigator determination, make it unsafe to target A1c <8%, severe psychiatric illness, homeless, current substance abuse, vision or hearing impairment that may affect the use of CGM. All participants were given information on how to incorporate the CGM into daily DM management and general diabetes self-management education (DSME). DMB was measured using the Diabetes Self Care Inventory-Revised scale, which was provided at visit 1 (baseline), visit 2 (2 weeks), and visit 3 (3-6 months). Additional outcome variables, including Diabetes Distress, sleep quality, exercise habits, and nutrition, were obtained. A1c was measured at baseline and at the end of visit 3. Provider satisfaction with patient CGM use was also evaluated using a newly developed provider satisfaction survey. Results: This study remains active for enrollment. Thus far, 14 patients have been recruited (7 in Libre 2 arm and 7 in Libre Pro User blind arm). Based on initial results, personal-CGM use supports improved diabetes self-care. Further, improvements in A1c, glucose time in target range, and lower rates of hypoglycemia are evident in all CGM users. Further, 100% of the providers felt that CGM use by their patients was very effective and helped their clinical decision-making during the visit. Providers did not feel that reviewing CGM data prolonged their visit. Conclusion: This pilot suggests that personal CGM use improves diabetes self-management behavior and reaffirms that CGM use in patients with poorly controlled diabetes is associated with improved DM clinical outcomes. Presentation: 6/3/2024

6692 Proarrhythmic Risk Of Hypoglycemia; A Case Of Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia Provoking Torsade De Pointes-Cardiac Arrest

Abstract Disclosure: A.M. San Hernandez: None. A. Adelkhanova: None. H. Ashraf: None. J. Aguayo Herrera: None. M.F. Siddiqui: None. Introduction: Torsade de Pointes is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia which is associated with QTc prolongation caused by medications, metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities. Very few cases of hypoglycemia causing QTc prolongation and Torsades de Pointes have been reported in the literature. Although the mechanism is unclear, the effects of low blood glucose have been proposed to induce a sympathetic response, hypokalemia and calcium disturbances. We report a case of an insulin-induced hypoglycemia causing Torsades de Pointes cardiac arrest, highlighting the proarrhythmic risk of hypoglycemia. Case presentation: A 57-year-old female with a history of Insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was brought in by EMS due to severe symptomatic hypoglycemia (POC blood glucose of 30 mg/dL), requiring treatment with dextrose. Patient reported reduced oral intake due to vomiting for 1 week and continued insulin administration without self-monitoring of blood glucose. Laboratory work up on presentation revealed severe hypoglycemia VBG= 55 mg/dL and mild hypomagnesemia Mg=1.4mg/dL (Ref Range 1.7-2.2mg/dl) which was treated. There was no hypokalemia or hypocalcemia. ECG showed sinus rhythm with prolonged QTc interval of 573ms and non-specific ST changes.Few hours later, patient developed torsades de pointes, requiring ACLS resuscitation. ROSC was achieved after two rounds of CPR. Patient received dextrose infusion to maintain euglycemic state. She was not taking any QTc prolonging medication. There was no history of autoimmune disease. Except for hypoglycemia, no other metabolic abnormality could be identified. Cardiac and pulmonary etiologies of cardiac arrest were ruled out. Post-ROSC ECG showed sinus tachycardia with normalization of QTc to 454ms. Thus, Insulin-induced hypoglycemia was appointed as the main culprit for her cardiac arrest, in the setting of QTc prolongation. Patient received diabetes self-management and hypoglycemia education. Conclusion: Several studies support strong correlation between hypoglycemia and arrhythmic events during bedtime in people with diabetes “The dead in bed syndrome”. Hypoglycemia causes an acquired long QT syndrome independent of other risk factors such as cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Possible mechanisms include; sympathoadrenal activation, which regulates potassium, calcium and chloride channels or altered autonomic regulation caused by hypoglycemia itself regardless of the effect of insulin or hypokalemia. QT prolongation is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death by causing torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia (VT).People with insulin dependent diabetes are at high risk of hypoglycemia and should be cautioned about the proarrhythmic risk of hypoglycemia. Education is crucial, and Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a valuable tool to be use in such a patient population. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Profiles of knowledge, self-efficacy, psychological and physical health in type 2 diabetes and its association with outcomes

BackgroundSelf-management is impacted by knowledge, self-efficacy, psychological health (general mental health and diabetes-related distress) and physical health (KSPP), and variations in KSPP contribute to heterogeneity in diabetes self-management education (DSME) program outcomes. This study aimed to identify unique KSPP profiles, and their associations with self-management behaviors. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 518 participants with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, diabetes-related distress, mental and physical health, self-care, medication adherence and social support were assessed. A mixed-model latent profile analysis was conducted on eight KSPP variables, and sociodemographic, self-care (diet, physical activity, and medication adherence), and glycemic levels were compared across profiles. ResultsFour unique KSPP profiles were identified: profile 1 (untroubled), profile 2 (distressed: diabetes-specific), profile 3 (distressed: global) and profile 4 (activated). Profile 3 was associated with the lowest self-care, highest glycemic and lowest social support levels. Profile 4 was associated with the highest self-care, lowest glycemic and highest social support levels. ConclusionsOur study identified novel KSPP profiles, which were associated with differential self-management behaviors and metabolic profiles. Practice ImplicationsIdentifying KSPP profiles might improve self-management support through identifying clustering of care needs, and support more targeted DSME development.

8748 Use of Telemedicine In Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At The University of Santo Tomas Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial

8748 Use of Telemedicine In Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At The University of Santo Tomas Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Understanding primary care provider’s knowledge and perceptions of diabetes self-management education and support

ObjectiveThe American Diabetes Association Standards of Care recommends that individuals with diabetes receive self-management education, but the utilization of these services remains low. This study explores primary care providers’ knowledge and perceptions of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). Study designA convergent mixed methods study design grounded in the Theoretical Domains Framework was conducted with an initial provider survey, followed by semi-structured interview of a purposeful sub-sample of providers. The survey was distributed via REDCap and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. ResultsA total of 140 PCP’s responded to the survey (response rate 37.63 %) and 17 participated in interviews. The average knowledge score of the correct selection of DSMES referral time points was 70.35 %. Five themes emerged in provider interviews: procedural knowledge, ability, beliefs, reinforcement, and cultural norms. Providers wanted bidirectional communication with the DSMES program and were more likely to refer if they had a cultural norm of referring. ConclusionProviders have limited knowledge of the appropriate time to refer to DSMES but expressed a willingness to refer. They emphasized the importance of providing their patients with appropriate self-management education and support.

Implementing mobile text messaging on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Uncontrolled blood glucose may lead to serious complications in patients with type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients may not have the support, motivation, or encouragement to adhere to the lifestyle changes necessary to control their T2DM. More than 75% of the primary care clinic's patients are diagnosed with T2DM, with most patients at the practice site having an average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8.5%. The primary care clinic did not use text messaging to disseminate diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) as outlined in Standard 4 of the American Diabetic Association's (ADA) clinical practice guideline. This evidence-based quality improvement project was conducted in a rural outpatient primary care clinic to determine whether implementing the ADA's 2022 National Standards for DSMES using text messaging would affect HbA1C levels among adult patients with T2DM. Patients were sent weekly text messages over a 12-week period. Text messages contained information promoting self-care, tips about healthy diet, exercise reminders, instructions about proper blood glucose monitoring, and reminders about medication adherence. A total of 160 patients were included. A paired-sample t -test showed a reduction in HbA1c levels after the intervention from baseline (M = 7.53, SD = 1.72) to postimplementation (M = 6.91, SD = 0.89), t (159) = 11.88, p = .001. Based on the results, implementing the ADA's National Standards for DSMES Standard 4 may affect HbA1c levels in this population.

The Relationship between Diabetes Self-Management Education and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The Relationship between Diabetes Self-Management Education and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Family model diabetes self-management education and support in faith-based organizations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands: A study protocol

IntroductionThe Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is an independent nation and a member of the United States (US) Affiliated Pacific Islands through a Compact of Free Association. Health disparities in the RMI are striking, with high rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The International Diabetes Federation has documented age-adjusted prevalence of T2DM at 23.0 %, compared to the US (13.2 %) and globally (9.8 %). T2DM has a devastating impact on patients and their families. MethodsThe purpose of this article is to present the study protocol for the fully powered two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial using a wait-list control to evaluate the effectiveness of a Family Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (Family DSMES) program when delivered in a group setting by community health workers (CHWs) in faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the RMI. The study used a community engaged approach, and the study protocol includes adaptations based on the results of our one-arm pilot study. SummaryThis study will provide new and innovative information on the effectiveness of Family DSMES delivered in a group setting by CHWs in FBOs in the RMI. The knowledge gained from this research will inform DSMES interventions conducted with Marshallese and other Pacific Islander communities, as well as DSMES interventions conducted in other low-resource countries.

Footcare Intervention Delivered by Community Health Workers: A Modified Delphi Study.

Studies have shown that community health workers (CHWs) can effectively deliver footcare interventions (FCIs) as part of diabetes self-management education programmes in high-resource countries. However, more evidence is needed on implementing FCI in low-resource countries and more detailed information about the core components of FCI provided by CHWs. This study aims to refine the core components of the footcare intervention to be delivered by CHWs (FIne-CHWs) for T2DM patients and to analyse Delphi panel members' opinions and perceptions regarding the core components of FIne-CHWs. Triangulation data from previous steps of data collection (scoping and mapping review combined with interview data) identified 42 statements representing the core components of FIne-CHWs. After two rounds of a Delphi exercise involving 22 panel members, experts in diabetes from all over Indonesia, a consensus agreement was reached on 41 out of 42 statements of the core components of FIne-CHWs. Free-text responses to the Delphi survey were analysed using thematic analysis. One overarching theme emerged: CHWs "are only volunteers." This then was discussed in three themes, namely CHWs deliver footcare education for all people with diabetes, remuneration and incentives, and flexibility of community FCI. This study determined the core components of FIne-CHWs and also identified that the position of CHWs within the Indonesian healthcare system could impact the implementation of the FIne-CHWs programme.

Rural-Urban Differences in Self-Reported Participation in Diabetes Self-Management Education.

Rural America faces a dual challenge with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (hereafter, diabetes) and diabetes-related mortality. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) can improve glucose control and reduce adverse effects of diabetes, but certified DSME programs remain disproportionately limited in rural counties than in urban counties. The goal of this study is to examine the proportion of urban and rural adults who report having received DSME using a nationwide, 29-state survey while considering the potential consequences of lower service availability. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Residence was defined as urban (metropolitan county) vs rural (non-metropolitan county). Logistic regression, incorporated survey weights, was used to determine the odds of having received DSME by residence. BRFSS is a nationally representative survey, and this study included participants from 29 states that were distributed throughout all regions of the United States. The study sample consisted of 28,179 adults who reported having diabetes, lived in one of the states that administered the diabetes module in 2019, and answered all relevant questions. The main outcome measure was whether a participant had ever received DSME. Participants were considered to have received DSME if they self-reported having ever taken a class on how to manage diabetes themselves. Overall, 54.5% of participants reported having received DSME; proportionately fewer rural residents (50.4%, ±1.1%) than urban residents (55.5%, ±1.0%) reported DSME. Rural disparities persisted after adjusting for demographic, enabling, and need factors (Adjusted Odds Ratio=0.79; CI, 0.71-0.89). By sociodemographic factors, Hispanic persons vs non-Hispanic White persons and single vs married/coupled individuals were less likely to report DSME receipt (both 0.76 [0.62-0.94]). Ongoing national efforts addressing rural disparities in diabetes-related complications should target individuals most at risk for missing current diabetes educational programming and design appropriate interventions.

Effect of structured individual and combined education on blood glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Although various approaches have been used in diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs, the effect of DSME programs on glycemic control is controversial. This study aimed to compare the effects of structured individual education and combined education on glycemic regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study included T2DM patients who applied to the Ust Kaynarca Diabetes Center between 1 January 2018 and 11 March 2020. All data were retrospectively evaluated from hospital information systems. Patients who received only individual education were defined as the individual education group (IEG), and patients who received both individual and group education were defined as the combined education group (CEG). A total of 496 T2DM patients, with 248 (50.0%) in the IEG and 248 (50.0%) in the CEG, were included in the study. The change in HbA1c (ΔHbA1c) value for the IEG was 1.0% (2.5%), while the ΔHbA1c value for the CEG was 1.9% (2.8%) (P < 0.001). When factors affecting the glycemic control were evaluated, it was determined that the type of education [odds ratio (OR) = 2.295, P < 0.001], gender (OR = 1.799, P = 0.007), presence of hyperlipidemia (OR = 0.559, P = 0.032) and presence of medications added to treatment (OR = 1.558, P = 0.041) were effective on glycemic control. Combined education, in which individual and group education are conducted together, is more effective than individual education in glucose regulation.

Comparison of Diabetes Education Content Experienced by Blind and Nonblind People With Diabetes

This survey sought to examine disparities in diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) to illuminate gaps underlying morbidity and mortality disparities experienced by blind people with diabetes and develop a pathway for improved health care delivery and health outcomes. Blind participants were more likely to report getting DSMES on strategies to promote treatment adherence and noncompliance with medical regimen; yet, blind and nonblind participants did not differ on primary care provider visits or amount of time spent in diabetes education. These findings suggest that DSMES content may differ for blind versus nonblind participants.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Type 2 Diabetes Group Training Courses With and Without the Integration of mHealth Support in a Controlled Trial Setting: Results of a Comparative Pilot Study

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effects on type 2 diabetes self-management education provided in group courses with or without an supporting smartphone application (the DM2CUA app). Research Design and Methods This open-label, cluster-randomized, controlled, multicenter pilot study involved three Austrian diabetes educational group courses. People with type 2 diabetes in the control group received a regular educational group course, whereas those in the intervention group received the same course plus the use of the DM2CUA app. The app prompted participants to carry out educational tasks that were discussed in the course. After the last lesson, the app provided participants with relevant messages for another 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire score assessed at four time points. Secondary outcome measures included scores on the Diabetes Distress Scale and the Health Education Impact Questionnaire and A1C levels. Results Participants in the intervention group already had a higher level of diabetes self-management at the start, but the median score showed further improvement during the entire study period. Conclusion Findings from this pilot study suggest that the DM2CUA app may have a positive impact on diabetes self-management.