A peer support intervention in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a peer support intervention, in which patients with T2DM were provided ongoing self-management support by trained peers with diabetes directed at improving self-care behaviors, self-efficacy and life quality.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 200 patients referred to a diabetes specialty clinic were allocated to peer support or control group. Participants in both groups received usual education by diabetes educators.Intervention participants worked with the trained volunteer peers who encouraged participants to engage in daily self-management and to discuss and share their experiences and challenges of diabetes management. The primary outcomes were HbA1c, BMI, self-care behaviors, self-efficacy and life quality

Results

After 6 months, patients in the peer support group experienced a significant decline in mean A1c value (P = 0.045). Also, mean diabetes self-management scores, mean self-efficacy scores and mean quality of life scores significantly improved in peer support group compared to control group (P values <0.001).

Conclusion

Peer support activities can be successfully applied in diabetes self-management, especially in areas with a shortage of professionals and economic resources.

Practice implications

Peer support strategies should be integrated into our healthcare system to meet minimum needs of people with T2DM in Iran.