Effect of web-based education intervention on blood glucose control, self-care and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aimed to assess the effects of web-based education on blood glucose control, self-care and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist at a university hospital in Turkey. The study included 89 patients with type 2 diabetes who were randomly divided into an intervention group (44) and a control group (45). Participants in the intervention group participated in a 3-month web-based education programme. RESULTS: The findings indicated that there were no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics and illness features between the intervention and control groups, and both were homogeneous. A statistically significant decrease of 0.71 was observed in the HbA1c (%) level of the intervention group following web-based education. Following web-based education, there was a significant difference in body mass index (kg/m2) and waist circumferences (cm) between the intervention and control groups. The intervention group displayed significantly improved self-care and quality of life over the 3-month period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that web-based education can enhance the self-care and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes.