Effective Education Methods to Improve Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: Education for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is essential for reinforcing adherence and engagement to achieve therapeutic objectives, given the chronic nature of the treatment. Appropriate strategies for delivering education effectively are crucial. This study aimed to identify effective educational strategies for improving clinical outcomes in patients with T2DM. Methods: The literature search included original publications from Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus, published in English between 2015 and February 2024, for which full-text access was available. This review was performed by a team consisting of pharmacists and internist following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: From the initial search yielding 105 articles, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Of these 17 studies, 9 demonstrated significant improvements in clinical outcomes. Not all studies incorporated control groups for comparative analysis during the implementation of educational interventions. Most interventions were delivered via direct face-to-face methods, although there was considerable variation across studies in terms of program duration, intervention frequency, session length, education providers, and educational content. Conclusions: Studies demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes predominantly utilized direct face-to-face education methods, typically in sessions lasting between 30 minutes and 60 minutes, with the majority of programs extending over approximately 6 months. Pharmacists contribute significantly to the success of educational programs by providing tailored instructional information that aligns with established protocols while addressing individual patient needs.