Diabetes education for Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect on glycemic control

- Diabetes education in any format generates glycemic improvement for Chinese.
- An ongoing regular education approach is particularly effective for Chinese.
- Education via a top-down didactic approach is in line with cultural preference.

AimsThe purpose of this study is to systematically review evidence in English and Chinese publications to determine the size of glycemic effect of different diabetes education approaches for Chinese patients.MethodsCINAHL Plus, Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database were searched. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials with a detailed description of education approach, with more than 50 Chinese-adult participants, reporting actual glycemic outcome and with at least 3-month follow-up. Data was systematically extracted and cross-checked by the authors. Methodological quality was assessed.ResultsFifty-three studies, including five English and 48 Chinese publications, were included. The overall weighted mean difference (WMD) in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was −1.19% (−13 mmol/mol). Ongoing regular education was most-commonly employed, with a reported WMD of −2.02% (−22 mmol/mol). Glycemic control was further enhanced in studies using information reinforcement strategies.ConclusionsDiabetes education in any format generates glycemic improvement for Chinese patients, but is particularly effective when an ongoing regular education is employed. Innovative strategies aligned with cultural concepts, such as employing patient examination to reinforce diabetes management knowledge and/or involving family in patient care deserve further trial to determine whether they enhance glycemic control in this group.