Family-based intervention by pharmacists for type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of family intervention for type 2 diabetes and to examine predictors of glycaemic control.

Methods

This was a prospective randomised controlled trial. Participants with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n?=?98) or a control group (n?=?98). A pharmacist delivered the educational sessions and encouraged family members to take an active role in self-management practices for the intervention patients. The control patients received usual care.

Results

At the end of the study (9-month follow-up), greater reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) occurred in the intervention group than in the control group (?1.37% and ?0.21%, respectively; P?

Conclusion

Family-involvement intervention is helpful in diabetes management, especially having spouses or women as caregivers.

Practice implications

Family involvement should be encouraged in diabetes care.