Investigation of Effect on Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Blood Pressure, and Body Mass Index of Diabetes Intensive Education Program in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a diabetes intensive education program (DIEP) on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1)c), body mass index (BMI), and arterial blood pressure (BP). An 8-week randomized-controlled trial was conducted in Cumhuriyet University Hospital. Diabetes patients were randomized to control group (CG; n = 25) and intervention group (IG; n = 25) who received DIEP, including the factors affecting metabolic control and implementation of diabetes guidelines. Primary outcomes included HbA(1)c, BP, and BMI. After the 8 weeks, there was a significant decrease in HbA(1)c mean values for the intervention group. Also, BP significantly decreased from 143/87 to 130/80 mmHg in the IG as compared with an increase from 137/82 to 137/86 mmHg in the CG. In addition, the results demonstrated that DIEP improved the number of patients at goal for BP (130/80 mmHg). Baseline BMI did not change significantly in either group during the course of the study. These findings show that the DIEP may be effective in decreasing HbA(1)c levels and improving adherence to BP control.