A therapeutic education program with a diabetes specialist nurse for type 2 diabetes patients using insulin in a primary care setting. A diabetes education program with a diabetes specialist nurse in a primary care setting.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic education is an essential part in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Implementing a therapeutic education program with the participation of a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) addressed to patients with T2D using more than 2 insulin injections and sub-optimal metabolic control in primary care (PC) could improve health care and clinical outcomes. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical, educational and patient satisfaction outcomes of this program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study was performed with an evaluation before and after the intervention. The program had a duration of 6 months and included individual on-site, phone and group visits. RESULTS: 184 subjects were included and 161 were finally evaluated. 89.4% were included due to sub-optimal metabolic control and 10.6% because of repeated hypoglycemia. In the first group, the mean reduction in HbA1c was -1.34%±1.45% without any increase in hypoglycemia episodes. In the second group, a significant reduction in hypoglycemia episodes/week was observed (2.52±1.66 vs. 0.53±1.06; p<0.05) without any increase in HbA1c. Learning skills, lifestyle, adherence to care, and the perception of quality of life had significantly improved at 6 months (p<0.05). The overall program was positively evaluated by patients, the role of DSN being considered essential by 98% of the responders. CONCLUSION: A structured therapeutic education program, including a DSN, addressed to insulin treated T2D patients attending primary care facilities and with sub-optimal metabolic control is associated with beneficial effects in terms of clinical, educational and patient satisfaction endpoints.

A Therapeutic Education Program with a Diabetes Specialist Nurse for Type 2 Diabetes Patients Using Insulin in a Primary Care Setting. A Diabetes Education Program with a Diabetes Specialist Nurse in a Primary Care Setting. / Resultados del programa de educación terapéutica de optimización dirigido a pacientes insulinizados con diabetes tipo 2 desarrollado por enfermería de práctica avanzada en diabetes en el ámbito de atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic education is an essential part in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Implementing a therapeutic education program with the participation of a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) addressed to patients with T2D using more than 2insulin injections and sub-optimal metabolic control in primary care (PC) could improve health care and clinical outcomes. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical, educational and patient satisfaction outcomes of this program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study was performed with an evaluation before and after the intervention. The program had a duration of 6 months and included individual on-site, phone and group visits. RESULTS: 184 subjects were included and 161 were finally evaluated. 89.4% were included due to sub-optimal metabolic control and 10.6% because of repeated hypoglycemia. In the first group, the mean reduction in HbA1c was -1.34±1.45% without any increase in hypoglycemia episodes. In the second group, a significant reduction in hypoglycemia episodes/week was observed (2.52±1.66 vs. 0.53±1.06; P<.05) without any increase in HbA1c. Learning skills, lifestyle, adherence to care, and the perception of quality of life had significantly improved at 6 months (P<.05). The overall program was positively evaluated by patients, the role of DSN being considered essential by 98% of the responders. CONCLUSION: A structured therapeutic education program, including a DSN, addressed to insulin treated T2D patients attending primary care facilities and with sub-optimal metabolic control is associated with beneficial effects in terms of clinical, educational and patient satisfaction endpoints.