Efficacy of a Structured Interactive Educational Program on Self-Care Behavior and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background:
Patient education in self-management skills is a fundamental component of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care, essential for preventing vascular complications and achieving optimal glycemic targets.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a structured educational program in improving disease knowledge, self-care practices, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and methods: This prospective study enrolled 110 patients with T2DM assigned to either an intervention group (n = 55; completed a 4-week interactive Diabetes Education Program) or a control group (n = 55; received standard care). Disease knowledge and self-care skills were evaluated using SKILLD and SDSCA questionnaires at baseline and at 6 months.
Results: At 6 months, mean SKILLD knowledge scores in the intervention group increased from 42.5 ± 8.1% to 81.4 ± 6.5% (p < 0.001), whereas changes in the control group were not statistically significant (44.1 ± 7.8% vs. 48.2 ± 8.0%). The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c from 8.6 ± 0.9% to 7.3 ± 0.6% (p < 0.001) compared with minimal changes in controls (8.4 ± 0.8% vs. 8.2 ± 0.7%). Elderly participants also demonstrated enhanced adherence to blood glucose monitoring.
Conclusions: A structured educational program significantly improves disease knowledge, enhances self-care adherence, and leads to clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes; diabetes education; self-care; HbA1c; glycemic control; patient compliance.