The Impact of Education on Self-Management and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) currently affects approximately 1 in 9 individuals in the United States. Access to education, transportation to appointments, and other social determinants of health can reflect poor self-management, adverse outcomes, and increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a series of expert-led, educational classes with a toolkit for patients diagnosed with prediabetes or T2DM. The Health Belief Model was the framework used to develop and implement educational intervention through a 4-month period. This project was conducted at two sites in Northeast Kansas: one which provides primary care services to an underserved population, while the other is a satellite clinic located within a housing authority. The PDSA cycle was used to develop and evaluate program implementation throughout the project. A toolkit was developed and provided to individuals who attended the sessions. Educational sessions focused on T2DM overview, risk factors, comorbidities, medication, diet, exercise, stress, and self-management. Expert specialists were recruited for two of the educational sessions. A diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ) score and glycated hemoglobin (A1c) value were obtained prior to the first educational session. A final DSMQ score and A1c value were obtained at the conclusion of the last educational session. Qualitative measurement revealed improved perceived self-management of T2DM as well as an overall improvement of A1c control after a 4-month period.