Back
Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide this
Interactive self-management programs help people with poorly controlled diabetes decrease blood sugar levels
Cheng L, Sit JWH, Choi K-C et al. Effectiveness of interactive self-management interventions in individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2016;14:65-73.
Review question
Do interactive self-management programs help people with poorly controlled diabetes decrease their blood sugar levels? Do the programs also increase people’s knowledge about how to manage their condition, confidence in their ability to do so and quality of life?
Background
Many people with diabetes have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. People with persistently high blood sugar are at greater risk for developing complications, including heart, kidney and eye diseases. Research has shown that compared to traditional instructional programs, interactive programs are more effective at helping people with type 2 diabetes better manage their condition. This review aims to see if interactive programs can specifically benefit people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
How the review was done
This is a review of 16 randomized-controlled trials conducted from 1997 to 2015, including a total of 3 545 participants. All the studies were combined in a meta-analysis. Most of the studies were considered to be of moderate quality.
- All participants were adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c > 7.5%)
- Study participants were involved in interactive self-management programs, which provided support and advice on topics such as diet, physical activity, medications and blood sugar monitoring.
- Program facilitators met with participants via telephone calls, group sessions and/or individual meetings. In most of the programs, these interactive sessions took place weekly. Programs ranged from six to 18 months long.
- Researchers measured changes in participants’ blood sugar levels (HbA1c), as well as changes in healthy habits (e.g. exercise, taking medications), nutrition knowledge, quality of life, confidence in managing their condition and feelings about their diabetes.
- Results were compared to control groups who participated in fewer or no interactive self-management sessions.
What the researchers found
People who participated in the interactive self-management programs maintained lower HbA1c levels for up to one year. A smaller number of studies showed that self-management programs also improved people’s nutrition knowledge, confidence in managing their condition and feelings about their diabetes. Programs that were based in scientific theories, used structured learning curriculums, involved phone- or web-based communication and/or provided feedback on participants’ performance were most effective in lowering blood sugar. More research is needed to see how the self-management programs can be used to sustain better blood sugar control in the long-term.
Conclusion
Interactive self-management programs appear to help people with poorly controlled diabetes decrease their blood sugar levels, at least in the short term. The programs may also help increase people’s nutrition knowledge and improve their feelings about diabetes and its management.
Glossary
Control group
A group that receives either no treatment or a standard treatment.
Meta-analysis
Advanced statistical methods contrasting and combining results from different studies.
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2018)
-
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014)
-
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012)
Related Web Resources
-
OHRI
This patient decision aid helps People with prediabetes considering treatment to help prevent type 2 diabetes decide on whether to make a major lifestyle change or take the medicine metformin by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
-
Harvard School of Public Health
There are three main types of fat: unsaturated, saturated and trans fat. Unsaturated fats can help improve cholesterol levels and lower inflammation and are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and fish. Trans fats are common in fast foods, and can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
-
Informed Health Online
Talk to your doctor about diabetes medications. Consider your treatment goals, age, weight, health conditions and other medications when deciding if a drug is right for you.
DISCLAIMER These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal
(
info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).