The Effect of Group Discussion on The Quality of Life and HbA1C in Patients with Type II Diabetes. (English)

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic syndrome and the most prevalent endocrine disorder that causes multiple problems for patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of group discussion on the quality of life and HbA1C in patients with type II diabetes. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on 120 diabetic patients referred to Kashan diabetes center (Golabchi). After obtaining informed consent, the patients were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. Before the intervention, blood sugar and HbA1C were evaluated in both groups, and quality of life questionnaires were completed. The experimental group was divided into eight groups and the intervention was accomplished through four sessions of group discussion held by a diabetes expert. The experimental group applied the educational content for four months. After that, blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and quality of life questionnaires were completed again and compared before and after the intervention by using paired t-test. Results: The results showed the patients had a mean age of 54.75 ± 10.88 years and a mean duration of diabetes of 3.53 ± 1.80 years. We found a significant difference in the quality of life before and after the training. Also, there was a significant difference in glycosylated hemoglobin before (8.45 ± 1.35) and after (6.98 ± 0.89) training. Conclusion: We found that educational programs in the form of group discussions can have positive effects on quality of life and HbAlC in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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