Long-Term Glycemic Control after a One Week Hospital Education Program for Inpatients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background:

Clinical usefulness of short-term education for long-term glycemic control has been unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective:

To conduct a one week education program, incorporating a clinical path with group education and a team approach, for inpatients with type 2 diabetes and assess the effect of our program on short- and long-term glycemic control in these patients.

Methods:

Changes in hemoglobin A_1c (A1C) values of 29 patients were serially examined for 3 years after discharge at completion of the education program, and findings were compared with those of 22 patients with diabetes who did not participate in the program.

Results:

A1C values of patients in the education group at the first and third year after discharge were maintained at lower levels than those of patients in the control group. The proportion of patients with A1C values less than 7% was greater in the education group than in the control group during the first and third years. No significant differences in the number of hospital visits were noted over 3 years, and no significant difference between the 2 groups was found in the ratio of patients receiving drug therapy to those supported by a diet/exercise regimen only.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that a one week in-hospital education program contributes to improvement of short- and long-term glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.