The effectiveness of a diabetes nurse clinic in treating older patients with type 2 diabetes for their glycaemic control

Aims. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a diabetes nurse clinic intervention in controlling the poor glycaemia of older patients with type 2 diabetes. Research method. This is a quasi‐experimental design with pre‐ and follow‐up tests. The study was conducted in a regional acute hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 150 (75 controls, 75 cases) poor glycaemic control older patients with diabetes were recruited in the study. Outcome measures. Biomedical and psychological data were collected at pre‐ and follow‐up period and compared between groups. Results. The study results show an effective intervention of diabetes nurse clinic in giving consultation and education to the type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects in the nurse follow‐up group showed an improvement in the HbA1c, and systolic blood pressure and reduction on healthcare utilization. Conclusion. The study provided evidence to support the diabetes nurse clinic in treating the older patients with diabetes. This study has provided confidence to the diabetes nurse to treat the unstable older patients with diabetes. Relevance to clinical practice. Diabetes mellitus is a serious health concern that most commonly affects older people. As indicated by the results of this study, this educational programme can act as an effective nursing intervention to the type 2 diabetic patients.