Improved control of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A practical education behavior modification program in a primary care clinic

Background. This study was done to determine the efficacy and ease of admin istration of education/behavior modification classes, provided by a nurse a nd a dietitian in a primary care clinic for improving control of type 2 dia betes mellitus. Methods. Patients were divided randomly into two groups. Eighteen patients completed 6 months of structured, office-based classes, and 20 similar pati ents served as control subjects. All were patients of the same group practi ce and had their usual office visits. Glycemic control, lipid levels, body weight, knowledge about diabetes, medication requirements, and symptoms wer e monitored during the 6 months, with follow-up at 12 months. Results. At the end of 6 months, the intervention group had significant red uctions in mean fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, total chole sterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values. Their mean body weight was significantly reduced at 12 months, and their knowledge of diabetes was improved. Control patients had significant improvement only in glycosylated hemoglobin and body weight at 6 months. Minimal physician tim e was required. Conclusion. The education/behavior modification program was clinically wort hwhile, and it was easy to administer.