The effect of frequent diabetes self-management education on glucose control in patients with diabetes at the Dubai Diabetes Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Aims: The aim of this study is to retrospectively assess the effect of ongoing diabetes self-management education (DSME) on glycemic control among patients who received diabetes care at the Dubai Diabetes Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Materials and Methods: The electronic medical records of all patients who attended the Dubai Diabetes Center for an initial visit between January and December 2015 were reviewed. Results: Patients who attended frequent follow-up visits (≥4 visits) within 1 year were found to have significantly lower HbA1c levels at the end of the 12-month study period as compared to those who attended less frequent follow-up visits (< visits). The mean difference in HbA1c from the initial visit was significantly greater in the group that attended frequent follow-up visits as compared to those who did not. The logistic regression analysis revealed the frequency of follow-ups to be a significant predictor of glycemic control, whereby patients who attended more frequent follow-ups had better glycemic control. Conclusions: Our research revealed the significance of frequent diabetes patient education on glycemic control in the United Arab Emirates. Our results can aid in shedding light that frequent and continued DSME can have a positive impact on disease outcomes in patients with diabetes.

Keywords

Diabetes - follow-up visits - glycemic control - self-management education

• References

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