ECE2017 Eposter Presentations: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Diabetes therapy (52 abstracts)
11st Medical Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Tessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Unit, Euromedica General Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece; 3Endocrine Unit, 3rd Pediatric Department, Aristotle University, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 4Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Aretaeio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University Athens, Athens, Greece; 5Endocrine Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece.
DM1 constitutes a real challenge in everyday practice for both physicians and patients. Due to the complexity of the disease and its unpredictable nature, structured education and training programs are nowadays implemented that ensure active patient involvement and self-care behaviors to achieve adequate glycemic control, prevent diabetic complications and improve the quality of life of patients. These programs provide patients with the necessary knowledge and skills to self-monitor and self-manage the disease and its associated metabolic conditions.
Aims: To evaluate the effect of a structured 12-month education program that motivated patients to follow a healthy Mediterranean diet and exercise regularly as well as to adjust carbohydrate intake and insulin dose according to their needs.
Methods: The education group (EG) was comprised of 62 patients (45 males) with type 1 DM, mean age 36±4.2 years and BMI: 24.2±3.1 kg/m2. An age- and BMI-matched control group (CG, n=25, mean age 41±6.4 years, BMI: 25.7±4.2 kg/m2) was composed of patients referred but not enrolled in the project.
Results: At the end of this program, HbA1C levels were significantly decreased (8.5±2.1%vs 7.08±0.79%, P<0.0001) as was also the incidence of hypoglycemic episodes (P<0.05). Regarding daily glucose fluctuations, significant improvement (P<0.05) was observed, as reflected in low, high and daily median glucose values. On the other hand, the above parameters remained stable in the CG.
Conclusions: These results strongly support the need for long-lasting structured education group courses in adult diabetic patients keen to change their habits in order to achieve self-management of the disease.