posted 10/07/02
A new study shows people with diabetes who are trained to adjust their insulin doses to match their food choices can improve their diabetes control and quality of life.
Researchers in England analyzed data from 140 adults with type 1 diabetes and moderate or poor glycemic control. Patients either attended a five-day training course, or continued to receive usual care for six months, and then attended one course.
Results show participants who received intensive training had improved glycemic control and, despite intensified insulin treatment, reported greater satisfaction with treatment, general well being, and quality of life. Severe hypoglycemia, weight, and lipids remained unchanged.
Authors of the study say skill training enables patients to fit diabetes into their lives rather than their lives into diabetes. They add that the training can be successfully applied across different healthcare systems.
Researchers say this approach was developed in Germany but has not been widely adopted elsewhere. Previous studies show current treatment of type 1 diabetes fails to engage patients in intensive self-management.
Source: Ivanhoe Newswire: British Medical Journal, 2002;325:746-749.