Diabetes self-care behaviors (DSCBs) play a significant role in controlling risk factors for diabetes-related complications when practiced consistently. Our objective was to evaluate changes in DSCBs in people with type 2 diabetes from primary care practices participating in the REMEDIES 4D study. REMEDIES 4D was a clustered, randomized trial in which certified diabetes educators (CDEs) implemented standardized treatment protocols to intensify treatment for glucose, lipid or blood pressure control. Fifteen practices and their patients were randomized to the intervention (n=175) or usual care (n=65). Eligible participants had uncontrolled HbA1c, blood pressure, or LDLc. The intervention group received diabetes self-management education in addition to treatment intensification, while the usual care group participated in monthly support groups for one year. DSCBs were measured via the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities scale (SDSCA). Two-sample t-tests were conducted to examine differences in adherence to recommended daily diabetes self-care behaviors between the intervention and usual care groups. The population was 49% male with a mean age of 61 years. The main results of the trial demonstrated a significant 1% decline in HbA1c in the intervention group and no significant change in the usual care group. At baseline, intervention participants tested blood glucose (BG) an average of 4.3 days compared with usual care 3.0 days (P=0.232). At follow-up, intervention participants tested BG an average of was 4.9 days, 1.3 days more frequently than the control group (P=0.004). There was no significant difference between groups for adherence to the self-care behaviors of general diet, specific diet, exercise, or foot care. These findings suggest that CDEs following standardized treatment protocols will improve adherence to recommendations for daily blood glucose testing which may enable patients to maintain better glycemic control.
K.M. Johnson: None. M. Malmi: None. S. Kuo: None. J.C. Zgibor: None.
