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Patient Education in Managing Diabetes

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SBU Assessment

Presents a comprehensive, systematic assessment of available scientific evidence for effects on health, social welfare or disability. Full assessments include economic, social and ethical impact analyses. Assessment teams include professional practitioners and academics. Before publication the report is reviewed by external experts, and scientific conclusions approved by the SBU Board of Directors.

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Published: Report no: 195

Conclusions

  • The most important measure for long-term control of mean blood glucose is HbA1c, which is also strongly linked to the prevalence of long-term complications. Group education programs for people with type 2 diabetes, led by people with expertise in the subject matter who are well versed in the educational methods of the programme, can substantially reduce HbA1c after 1 to 2 years. Individual education for people with type 2 diabetes yields a small reduction in HbA1c after 1 year. In estimating socioeconomic costs, SBU found that group education costs more than individual education due to more education sessions over longer periods and the resulting differences in time and travel costs for participants. However, the costs art low in relation to the effect that group education has on HbA1c.
  • The scientific literature reveals no differences in effects on HbA1c between usual care and motivational interviewing methods (MI, AMI, and MET) in monitoring people with diabetes up to 1 year.
  • It is essential to study the effects on HbA1c and quality of lift both from individual- and group-based education in patients with type 1 diabetes.
  • Controlled trials are needed to study the effects on HbA1c and quality of life resulting from behavioural-oriented patient education through support programmes based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.

How to cite this report: SBU. Patient education in managing diabetes. Stockholm: Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment (SBU); 2009. SBU report no 195 (in Swedish).

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