Effectiveness of U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® Patient Education Program in Improving Glycemic Control

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to health complications and shorten life expectancy. The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes continue to increase in America, leading to an increased economic and disease burden. Lifestyle interventions can significantly improve health outcomes. Participation in a group based diabetes self-management education program can aid in improving adherence and improving glycemic control. The purpose of this cohort project is to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8 week, group based education program using the U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® in improving follow up glycated hemoglobin levels at a university affiliated outpatient diabetes clinic. A retrospective study was conducted with 50 adult patients that completed an 8-week education program using the U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® from January 2013 to September 2016. Data was collected from patient electronic medical records at a university affiliated outpatient diabetes clinic. Improvement in glycemic control was measured by reduction in post intervention HbA1C levels from pre-intervention HbA1C levels. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, significance .05 and Pearson and Spearman correlation. The mean baseline HbA1C was 8.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6 – 15.9 ) and decreased to 7.34 (95% CI, 4.7-11.8), p< .001. A decrease in post intervention HbA1C was seen in 68% of the participants. Results of the study show that the U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® is effective in improving glycemic control.