Increased self-care activities and glycemic control rate in relation to health education via Wechat among diabetes patients: A randomized clinical trial

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Dec;97(50):e13632. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000013632.

Abstract

Background: Health education has been considered as the effectiveness method to increase the self-care skills of diabetes patients. However, limited studies to investigate the association of health education via Wechat platform on increased the basic self-care skills and glycemic control rate in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A total number of 120 type 2 diabetes patients were randomized into intervention (health education by Wechat platform plus usual care) and the control group (usual care). Biochemical parameters including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured among the 2 groups at baseline 6-month and 12-month. Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy (SE) Scale was completed at baseline 6-month and 12-month.

Results: Significant difference of HbA1c concentration and SE were found between intervention and control groups at 6-month and 12-month (P <.05). The effect of groups and health education duration times was found on reduced HbA1c concentration and increased the total score of SE (P <.05). No significant difference of FPG and 2hPG concentrations were found between intervention and control groups at 6 months and 12 months (P >.05).

Conclusion: Health education of diabetic individuals via Wechat platform in conjunction with conventional diabetes treatment could improve glycemic control and positively influence other aspects of diabetes self-care skills.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / methods*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / psychology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / therapy
  • Diet Therapy / methods
  • Diet Therapy / psychology
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Self Care* / methods
  • Self Care* / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A