A 12-Week Integrated Intervention to Improve Glycemic Control among Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Purpose: Diabetes patients have special requirements regarding education for health promotion. It is also essential for individuals with diabetes to combine multiple components like exercise with group-supported activities. This study explored the efficacy of a 12-week intervention program for outpatients with diabetes on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels and the body-mass index (BMI). Methods: This quasi-experimental design study was a prospective intervention study among patients with type 2 diabetes. Twenty-eight cases and 40 controls were voluntary participants among outpatients at the study hospital. A 12- week group intervention program was implemented in the case group. The control group was provided with education in a traditional manner. Researchers analyzed outcomes of HbA1C levels and the BMI of the 12-week intervention program between the 2 groups. Results: Differences between the experimental and control groups were tested by means of a mixed-model statistical analysis. After adjusting for subjects’ ages, results showed a significant improvement in HbA1C (F = 10.82, p = 0.002) and BMI (F = 23.58, p ＜ 0.001) in the experimental group. Conclusion: Both HbA1C and BMI significantly decreased in diabetes patients who participated a 12-week integrated intervention program. In contrast to ubiquitous individual education, we suggest regular implementation of a continual 12-week intervention program for outpatients with type 2 diabetes.