However , overall there did not appear to be a significant difference between individual education and usual care .
In the small number of studies comparing group and individual education , there was an equal impact on HbA1c at 12 to 18 months .
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes is a common and costly chronic disease which is associated with significant premature mortality and morbidity .
Although patient education is an integral component of diabetes care , there remain uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of different methods and modes of education .
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of individual patient education  on metabolic control , diabetes knowledge and psychosocial outcomes .
Diabetes Intervention Study: Multi-Intervention Trial in Newly Diagnosed NIDDM
Objective In a r and omized 5-yr multi-intervention trial , we tested the efficacy of intensified health education ( IHE ) in improving metabolic control and reducing the level of coronary risk factors and incidence of ischemic heart disease ( IHD ) . Research Design and Methods Within the intervention group , the benefit of clofibric acid was evaluated in a double-blind study . One thous and one hundred thirty-nine newly diagnosed middle-aged ( 30- to 55-yr-old ) patients with non-insulindependent diabetes mellitus ( NIDDM ) entered the study . They were classified as diet controlled after a 6- wk screening phase with conventional dietary treatment . During the follow-up , the control group ( n = 378 ) was cared for at different diabetes outpatient clinics with a st and ardized surveillance . The intervention group ( n = 761 ) had a structured IHE that included dietary advice , antismoking and antialcohol education , and ways to enhance physical activity . Results R and omly , 379 of the IHE patients received 1.6 g clofibric acid/day , and the others received placebo . IHE result ed in improved glucose control ( adjusted fasting blood glucose ) levels after 5 yr ( control subjects 9.27 mM , IHE group 8.71 mM , and IHE plus clofibric acid group 8.60 mM , P < 0.01 ) . The better glycemic control was achieved with fewer antidiabetic drugs . After 5 yr , antidiabetic drugs were prescribed to 47 % of the control subjects , 28 % of the IHE group , and 34 % of the IHE plus clofibric acid group ( cutoff limit for drug application was postpr and ial blood glucose of ≥13.87 mM ) . The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ( 0.26 vs. 0.40 , P < 0.01 ) and physical activity ( 174 vs. 327 scores , P < 0.01 ) were increased , and blood pressure , tobacco , and alcohol consumption were significantly reduced by IHE . However , IHE had no effect on calorie intake , percentage of fat in the diet ( 45 % ) , and body weight . The most important finding was the significant increase of blood cholesterol in all three groups ( + 0.47 , + 0.36 , and + 0.34 mM , respectively ) . Clofibric acid only prevented the increase of triglyceride levels ( + 0.56 , + 0.24 , and + 0.05 mM , respectively ) . The incidence rate per 1000 for myocardial infa rct ion was 30.3 for control subjects , 53.6 for the IHE group , and 55.6 for the IHE plus clofibric acid group . The corresponding rates for IHD incidence were 90.9 , 97.8 , and 98.8 , respectively . Men suffered more frequently from myocardial infa rct ion , whereas women developed ECG criteria for IHD more frequently . Among the 35 cases of death , besides cardiovascular diseases , liver cirrhosis and neoplasia were the predominant causes . The death rate per 1000 in control subjects was 46.2 , 30.6 in the IHE group , and 27 among patients with IHE plus clofibric acid . Conclusions IHE was of substantial benefit for the control of glycemia , significantly diminished the need for antidiabetic drugs , and reduced a cluster of risk factors but had no effect on the control of blood lipids . This could be one major reason for the failure of IHE , effective lowering of blood pressure , and clofibric acid to prevent cardiovascular complications .  Clofibric acid was only effective in reducing triglycerides
However , overall there did not appear to be a significant difference between individual education and usual care .
In the small number of studies comparing group and individual education , there was an equal impact on HbA1c at 12 to 18 months .
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes is a common and costly chronic disease which is associated with significant premature mortality and morbidity .
Although patient education is an integral component of diabetes care , there remain uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of different methods and modes of education .
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of individual patient education  on metabolic control , diabetes knowledge and psychosocial outcomes .