The influence of participant's self-perceived role on metabolic outcomes in a diabetes group education program

We investigated the demographic, biomedical, and perceptional factors influencing HbA1c 2 years after baseline in an educational program for persons with type 2 diabetes. Patients (N = 259) participated in a year-long group educational program led by specially trained pharmacists. There was a significant reduction of HbA1c (−0.15% unit; p < 0.05) on the group level after 24 months. Answers to open-ended questions on self-perceived role in diabetes management and occasions for testing blood glucose were analyzed qualitatively and used in a regression equation. Belonging to the “active” category of self-perceived role in diabetes management was associated with better outcomes compared to having a “passive” role. In addition, testing blood glucose levels for different purposes identified by the respondents was better than not to test blood glucose levels at all. The influence of these variables was striking; of the range of demographic and biomedical factors tested, only initial HbA1c and treatment entered the model.