Assessment of a treatment and education program in reducing the glucosilated hemoglobine levels in diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: glucosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is increased in diabetic patients and its raise suggests an increase in the average value of patient"(TM)s glycemia during the previous three months. The reduction in the HbA1c level has been associated to a decrease in micro vascular and neuropathic complications associated to diabetes.

Objective: to determine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention in decreasing the HbA1c values in a population of Colombian diabetic patients.

Methods: all type 1 or 2 diabetic patients that entered from February 1, 2000 to January 31, 2001 were included and followed during 4 years.

Results: a statistically significant reduction of HbA1c levels of 1.33% was observed in the first year and an average of 0.05 units per each follow up year, this reductions was even more accentuated in women, elderly patients and patients with HbA1c > de 10 values.

Conclusions: in this population of Colombian diabetic patients it was shown how effective the multidisciplinary intervention is in decreasing the HbA1c values. This could produce a decrease in the rate of complications associated to this disease that increases patient"(TM)s morbidity and mortality, as well as a reduction of the costs implied in these patients care.