RESUMO
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured group education program on non-glycemic endpoints of diabetes knowledge, compliance with treatment and medical advice, use of monitoring devices, and treatment satisfaction. A cross-sectional comparative design was employed. Study participants were members of the local Diabetes Association (DAN) who had participated in a structured group education program and comparison subjects were outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had not registered as members of DAN and do not attend DAN activities. Self- and interviewer-administered structured questionnaires were used to determine study endpoints. The responses of study participants were analyzed and then compared. Seventy-five patients were studied in each group comprising 78 males and 72 females. DAN members had good knowledge of their disease, complied satisfactorily with their medications and physician's advice, knew and used at least one monitoring device and had better knowledge of hypoglycemia than control subjects. Treatment Satisfaction scores were also higher among DAN members. Diabetes associations and clubs provide a practical and acceptable means of disseminating diabetes related information and should be strengthened.