Metabolic control in the type 2 diabetic patients after an educational strategy in Family Medicine

Abstract

Objective: The Family physician who attends rural communities in the State of Baja California, México faces high prevalence of diabetes. The lack of preventive information makes co-responsibility difficult which ends in late complications. The objective of the study was to research the effect of an educational strategy on metabolic control indicators such as: serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and body
mass index (BMI). Methods: Analytical study in 50 diabetes type 2 patients. There were 24 sessions about diabetes, complications, exercise and nutrition. The measurements made were on serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index. Three months later, the registers were compared. Results: According to the BMI, 17 individuals (34%) were identified with overweight, 26 individuals (52%) with severe obesity, 4 (8%) with normal weight and 3 (6%) with morbid obesity. Those individuals in the overweight range registered changes statistically significant in their glucose levels (p<0.002) and in the HbA1c (p<0.002). Those individuals with severe obesity also showed a significant difference after the study in their glucose levels (p<0.023) and in the HbA1c (p<0.035). Conclusions: Education directed to change habits can modify risk factors. A well orientation and a different organization of resources in Family Medicine could contribute to reduce diabetic complications.