CONCLUSIONS Despite a compelling theoretical base , research ers have only minimally studied the value of interventions targeting patients ' social networks on diabetes care .
OBJECTIVES In the care of patients with type 2 diabetes , self-management is emphasised and studied while theory and observations suggest that patients also benefit from social support .
We sought to assess the effect of social network interventions on social support , glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes .
Effect of social networks intervention in type 2 diabetes: a partial randomised study
Background In this partially r and omised intervention study , we assessed the effect of social networks on the improvement of  type 2 diabetes management  in a largely African – American population in Baltimore . Methods Patients in the intervention group ( n=68 ) were asked to recruit peers , form small groups , and attend monthly diabetes education sessions , emphasising peer support .  Patients in the control group ( n=70 ) were recruited individually to attend st and ard diabetes education sessions . The primary outcomes were changes in haemoglobin A1C ( HbA1c ) and blood glucose . Secondary outcomes included blood pressure , weight , functional status , self-efficacy , perceived cohesion , social network connectedness and diabetes knowledge . General linear mixed models were built to assess mean absolute changes in primary and secondary outcomes at 3 and 6 months . Results At 6 months from baseline , the social network intervention group achieved a larger reduction in HbA1c of −0.32 % ( p<0.0001 ) and blood glucose of −10.6 mg/dL , ( p<0.0001 ) compared to the control group . In analyses of secondary endpoints , the intervention group had more favourable outcomes over time for weight , quality of life , self-efficacy , social network scores and diabetes knowledge , compared to the control group . While blood pressure decreased , and perceived cohesion increased in both groups over the duration of the study , the difference between groups was not statistically significant . Conclusions The social networks intervention showed improved integration of patients within their existing networks leading to a greater reduction in HbA1c and blood glucose , as well as improved behaviour mediating outcomes
CONCLUSIONS Despite a compelling theoretical base , research ers have only minimally studied the value of interventions targeting patients ' social networks on diabetes care .
OBJECTIVES In the care of patients with type 2 diabetes , self-management is emphasised and studied while theory and observations suggest that patients also benefit from social support .
We sought to assess the effect of social network interventions on social support , glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes .