RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effects of Providing Peer Support on Diabetes Management in People With Type 2 Diabetes
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP S42
OP S49
DO 10.1370/afm.1853
VO 13
IS Suppl 1
A1 Yin, Junmei
A1 Wong, Rebecca
A1 Au, Shimen
A1 Chung, Harriet
A1 Lau, Maggie
A1 Lin, Laihar
A1 Tsang, Chiuchi
A1 Lau, Kampiu
A1 Ozaki, Risa
A1 So, Wingyee
A1 Ko, Gary
A1 Luk, Andrea
A1 Yeung, Roseanne
A1 Chan, Juliana C. N.
YR 2015
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/13/Suppl_1/S42.abstract
AB PURPOSE We examined the effects of participating in a “train-the-trainer” program and being a peer supporter on metabolic and cognitive/psychological/behavioral parameters in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.METHODS In response to our invitation, 79 patients with fair glycemic control (HbA1c <8%) agreed to participate in a “train-the-trainer” program to become peer supporters. Of the 59 who completed the program successfully, 33 agreed to be peer supporters (“agreed trainees”) and were each assigned to support 10 patients for 1 year, with a voluntary extension period of 3 additional years, while 26 trainees declined to be supporters (“refused trainees”). A group of 60 patients with fair glycemic control who did not attend the training program and were under usual care were selected as a comparison group. The primary outcome was the change in average HbA1c levels for the 3 groups from baseline to 6 months.RESULTS At 6 months, HbA1c was unchanged in the trainees (at baseline, 7.1 ± 0.3%; at 6 months, 7.1 ± 1.1%) but increased in the comparison group (at baseline, 7.1 ± 0.5%; at 6 months, 7.3 ± 1.1%. P = .02 for between-group comparison). Self-reported self-care activities including diet adherence and foot care improved in the trainees but not the comparison group. After 4 years, HbA1c remained stable among the agreed trainees (at baseline, 7.0 ± 0.2%; at 4 years: 7.2 ± 0.6%), compared with increases in the refused trainees (at baseline, 7.1 ± 0.4%; at 4 years, 7.8 ± 0.8%) and comparison group (at baseline, 7.1 ± 0.5%; at 4 years, 8.1 ± 0.6%. P = .001 for between-group comparison).CONCLUSIONS Patients with diabetes who engaged in providing ongoing peer support to other patients with diabetes improved their self-care while maintaining glycemic control over 4 years.