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 .
Evaluation of a diabetes patient education program consisting of a three-day hospitalization and a six-month follow-up by telephone counseling for mild type 2 diabetes and IGT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a newly developed diabetes patient education program consisting of a three-day hospitalization and a six-month follow-up by telephone counseling for patients with mild type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT ) by a r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) method . Fifty-two patients with mild type 2 diabetes or IGT ( HbAlc<8 ) were r and omly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group . The current care was continued for the control group and the new education program was provided in addition to the current care for the intervention group . Changes in weight , blood glucose in a 75g-oral glucose tolerance test ( 75g-OGTT ) , and HbAlc were measured in June 1997 as baseline data and again in Dec. 1997 . Scores for knowledge of diabetes , dietary habits , physical activity , health practice index , diabetes quality of life ( DQOL ) , and self-efficacy were also obtained . After six months , the intervention group showed a statistically significant weight loss and blood glucose reduction in the 75g-OGTT test , but the control group did not . A significant improvement in lifestyle was observed in the intervention group , especially in terms of dietary habits and physical activity . The knowledge test scores increased in both groups . There were no significant differences in HbAlc , DQOL , or self-efficacy between the two groups . The results of this study show that the combination of a three-day hospitalization and a six-month follow-up by telephone counseling is effective in metabolic control and improvement of lifestyle for patients with mild type 2 diabetes or IGT . The reasons for the effectiveness were considered to be that l)changes in lifestyle were based on autonomous decision-making ; 2)regular , consistent counseling was provided by the nurse in charge of each patient ; 3)extended follow-up is more effective than initial education in preventing a rebound of weight or metabolic control
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 .