Assessment of the function and effect of diabetes education programs in Taiwan

A multi-center prospective study was conducted to assess the function and i mpact of diabetic education programs on diabetic control. A total of 208 su bjects with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Diabetes self-care, assessed by questionnaire, was evaluated before, and 4 months after attending a diabet es education course. A total of 121 subjects who received advanced diabetes education courses were designated as the experimental group. A second grou p of 87 cases receiving a basic course served as controls. In addition to b asic knowledge, the advanced education programs included dietary control, b lood glucose monitoring, management of hypoglycemia, medication compliance, foot care and exercise. Diabetes self-care techniques were significantly i mproved in-the experimental group. The overall score for diabetes self-care techniques improved in both groups at the 4th month over baseline values. The change was significant with the controls' (P < 0.001). Multiple regress ion analysis confirmed the intensity of diabetic education was the only sig nificant variable correlated with the decrease of fasting blood glucose and systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, integrated and intensive diabetes education program in: diabetes education centers provides an effective meth od for improving diabetes self-care techniques and metabolic outcome. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.