Study circles at the pharmacy - a new model for diabetes education in groups

During the past years diabetes education has developed greatly. However, a survey of diabetes care in Sweden in 1995 showed that only 40% of the patie nts examined had acceptable HbAlc values. This underlines the need for an e ffective and low-cost patient education programme. In this study we tested the feasibility of a I-year group education model for patients with type 2 diabetes at Swedish pharmacies. In the study circles, led by specially trai ned pharmacists, participants learned how to self-monitor glucose, to inter pret the results and to act upon them. We conclude that study circles held at pharmacies are a feasible way of educating persons with type 2 diabetes. The group setting promoted learning through peer help and gave emotional s upport to participants. Metabolic control as measured by HbAlc improved sig nificantly after 6 months, but reverted to baseline levels again at 12 mont hs. The reason for this needs further investigation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.