Effects of a multimedia educational intervention on lifestyles and metabolic control of adult diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Education is the mainstay of medical management of chronic non communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Aim: To assess the effects of a multimedia diabetes education intervention and nutritional therapy on lifestyle changes and metabolic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: We studied 219 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 56 ± 8 years (28% males). They received education through a multimedia site about control indicators, complications, nutrition and physical exercise, among others. They also received a personalized nutritional therapy. They were followed-up for one year. At baseline and the end of follow up they were weighed, and their waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. A fasting blood sample was withdrawn to measure glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile. Lifestyles were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire called IMEVID. Results: The median duration of diabetes was six years. During the follow up, patients had a significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference and blood pressure and improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin, HDL and LDL cholesterol. Seven and 13% of patients reported favorable lifestyles at baseline and the end of follow up, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared with their counterparts with unfavorable lifestyles, patients with a favorable lifestyle had a significantly lower weight and glycosylated hemoglobin at the end of follow up. Conclusions: The educational intervention along with nutritional therapy improved metabolic control and lifestyles in this group of diabetic patients.