The effect of an intensive education programme on the glycaemic control of type I diabetic patients
Smith, C.J.; Abrahamson, M.J.; Henshilwood, P.A.; Bonnici, F.
South African Medical Journal 71(3): 164-166
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3810365 Document Number: 289770
The effect of patient education on glycaemic control in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was assessed in 20 patients selected from the Diabetes Clinic, Groote Schuur Hospital. Education in all aspects of self-care was given to small groups of between 5 and 7 patients. Biochemical tests including measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), were performed during a 6-week 'control' period before the educational course, and again during a 6-week 'test' period after it. The mean HbA1c fell from 10,05 .+-. 0,43% at the end of the control period to 8,47 .+-. 0,25% at the end of the test period (P < 0,001). FBG levels dropped from 13,53 .+-. 0,84 mmol/l at the commencement of the study to 10,83 .+-. 1,29 mmol/l before the educational course, and to 9,41 .+-. 0,72 mmol/l at the completion of the study. We therefore conclude that intensive education of this nature is of benefit in improving glycaemic control, at least in the short term.