Assessing diabetes management in patients with T2DM based on the frequency of visits to a diabetes educator: Findings from the North Carolina neurocognition risk reduction diabetes study

Introduction: Previous research has shown that diabetes education reduces microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with Type II Diabetes (T2DM), as well as lowering health care cost for patients and medical facilities. Studies indicate that many primary care physicians solely advise patients on diabetes care, rather than provide skills and education for self management. Diabetes educators provide patients with education and skills for behavioral and psychosocial change. This study aims to explore how the frequency of visits with a diabetes educator affects Glycated hemoglobin, A1C (HbA1C) levels in T2DM patients. Methods: Data from an academic medical setting was obtained via retrospective chart review analyzed for frequency of visits to a diabetes educator identifiable by keyword search “educator” and “CDE” in office visits and outside record notes between 08/10/10-08/10/07; diabetes management is identified by mean (HbA1C)levels present in the MRN. Results: Of the participants (N=111), 59.5% (n=66) never visited a diabetes educator (mean HbA1C= 8.556, SD±2.108), 23.4% (n=26) visited a diabetes educator 1-2 times (mean HbA1C=9.469, SD±3.934) and 17.1% (n=19) visited a diabetes educator 3 or more times (mean HbA1C=9.268, SD±2.295) Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that individuals (n=66) who never visited a diabetes educator had less severe diabetes than patients who had visited a diabetes educator at least once. Findings also show that patients who visited a diabetes educator 3 or more times had lower mean HbA1C levels compared to patients who visited a diabetes educator 1-2 times. Additional studies are necessary for a better understanding between health education and diabetes management.