Primary Care Diabetes
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Pages 103-109, May 2009

Supporting diabetes self-management in primary care: Pilot-study of a group-based programme focusing on diet and exercise

  • Hilde Bastiaens

      Affiliations

    • Department of General Practice, Interdisciplinary Healthcare and Geriatrics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Department of General Practice, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Gebouw R Lokaal 3.15, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium. Tel.: +32 3 8202529; fax: +32 3 8202526.
    • ,
  • Patricia Sunaert

      Affiliations

    • Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Ghent, Belgium
    • ,
  • Johan Wens

      Affiliations

    • Department of General Practice, Interdisciplinary Healthcare and Geriatrics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
    • ,
  • Bernard Sabbe

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neuroscience, University of Antwerp, Belgium
    • ,
  • Lutgarde Jenkins

      Affiliations

    • DiabetesProject Aalst, Belgium
    • ,
  • Frank Nobels

      Affiliations

    • OLV-Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
    • ,
  • Boris Snauwaert

      Affiliations

    • Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Ghent, Belgium
    • ,
  • Paul Van Royen

      Affiliations

    • Department of General Practice, Interdisciplinary Healthcare and Geriatrics, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Received 28 January 2009; accepted 1 February 2009. published online 05 March 2009.

Abstract 

Aims

To develop and implement a group self-management education programme for people with type 2 diabetes at the community level in primary care. This pilot-study intended to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and long-term effects (12–18 months) of this programme on emotional distress, HbA1c, BMI and actual behaviour.

Methods

An empowerment-based, theory-driven education programme was evaluated in a before-after design. The programme focused on behaviour assessment, goal-setting, problem solving and tailored information. A diabetes specialist nurse conjointly with a dietician or psychologist led five 2-hour sessions and a follow-up meeting after 3 months.

Results

Forty-four people participated in 5 groups. BMI decreased with 0.45kg/m2 (95%CI 0.01–0.89) at 12-month and with 0.53kg/m2 (95%CI 0.02–1.04) at 18-month follow-up. HbA1c declined from 7.4% (±1.3) to 6.8% (±0.8) (p=0.040) and the PAID-score diminished from 28 (±20) to 18 (±13) (p=0.006) at 12-month post-intervention. These changes were only partly sustained at 18-month follow-up. Actual behaviour changed modestly.

Conclusion

Introducing the group education programme in primary healthcare is worthwhile (feasibility and effectiveness). A detailed description of the intervention is offered. Further research should explore the actual education process in greater depth.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Self-management, Group education, Primary care, Empowerment, Goal setting

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PII: S1751-9918(09)00007-2

doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2009.02.001

Primary Care Diabetes
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Pages 103-109, May 2009

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