Effect of Group Training on Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes Type-I

The high prevalence of diabetes and its related disabilities caused by poor glycemic control is due to lack of awareness. This study was aimed at examining the effect of group training on glycemic control in patients with type I diabetes. This randomized clinical trial of 74 individuals with type I diabetes aged 11 - 21 years was performed in the diabetes clinics for children (Golestan and Abuzar) in Ahvaz in 2014. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (37) and control (37). The data collection tools included a questionnaire to obtain demographic data and clinical status and laboratory tests to obtain fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Both groups completed the questionnaires and underwent the laboratory tests at baseline. Group training was conducted for eight sessions of 2 hours each for the intervention group, and no training intervention was done for the control group. At 3 months from the beginning of the study, questionnaires were completed again and fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests were repeated for the two groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 to apply dependent and independent t-tests and ?2 test. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups for average fasting blood sugar and HbA1c after (P < 0.05), but not before (P > 0.05), the intervention. Group training and empowering individuals with diabetes aged 11 - 21 years to perform blood glucose measurements, observe insulin therapy principles and dietary behaviors, and engage in physical activities reduces blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Therefore, group training and involving diabetic individuals in their care and treatment can improve management of blood glucose