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CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Diabetes and Endocrine Practice 2025; 08(02): 101-110
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1808263
Original Article

Behavior Change Counseling Strategies (BCC) as an Effective Treatment Approach Along with Insulin Regimens for Type1 Young Adult Diabetes Mellitus Patients from a Busy Diabetic Clinic—A Randomized Single-Blinded Controlled Trial: Pilot Study

Shiju Raman Unni 
1   Internal Medicine/Endocrine Department, Al Nahdha Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
,
Saud Al Harthy
2   Department of Endocrine and Diabetes, Alnahdha Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
,
Jeffry Singh
3   Department of Disease Surveillance and Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat, Oman
,
Mary McCallum
4   Department of Psychology, Grampian Clinical Health Psychology, Scotland, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Funding and Sponsorship None.
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Abstract

Objective

To assess the effects of behavior change counseling (BCC) motivational interviewing (MI) sessions strategies in young adults aged 18 to 55 years with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus in a busy diabetic clinic in Bawshar, Oman, compared to a control group receiving “treatment as usual.”

Methods

Participants were randomized to BCC/MI intervention group (n = 25; males n = 17 and females n = 8) or control (n = 25; males n = 16 and females n = 9). At week 1 BCC/MI participants had brief MI sessions, while controls received standard care as per current clinical practice of the existing health care facility. Assessments were repeated at baseline and 3 months. The data was analyzed using nonparametric statistical methods like Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05. The data analysis was done by software R.

Results and Outcomes

Primary outcomes including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values were measured at baseline and at 3 months' follow-up. Results showed a reduction in the intervention group (BCC/MI) of median HBA1c by 1.2% and reduction in median LDL levels by 0.9 mmol/L. The p-value was p < 0.0001 (significant at p < 0.05). The median HbA1c level in the control group increased by 1.3% and the median LDL level increased by 0.2 mmol/L after the standard level of care. The p-value was < 0.0001 (significant at p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first study of its kind conducted as part of routine clinical care in Oman. The results highlight a significant reduction in HbA1c and LDL and benefit to patients. A larger study is needed to clarify the results and if confirmed, implementing BCC training to health care providers will reduce diabetes mellitus complications and the economic burden of Oman.

Keywords

BCC - diabetes mellitus - HbA1c - insulin - LDL

Authors' Contribution

All authors contributed to the published work. They have all approved the final version of the manuscript.


Compliance with Ethical Principles

The study was approved by the National Research Council Ethical Approval Committee, Muscat, Oman. Verbal consent was taken from all participants.


Confidentiality and Risk Management

The confidentiality and data of the patients is secured well and there is no potential risk identified and mitigated.




Publication History

Article published online:
19 May 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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