One-year follow-up effects of diabetes rehabilitation for patients with prolonged self-management difficulties

The aim of this study is to determine effects and the role of facilitators of empowerment of a Multidisciplinary Intensive Education Programme (MIEP) for diabetic patients with prolonged self-management difficulties. Glycemic control (HbAlc), health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and facilitators of empowerment (health locus of control and coping) were measured in 99 participants of MIEP at baseline (T-0), 3 (T-1) and 12 months (T-2) follow-up and in 231 non-referred consecutive outpatients. HbAlc improved at T-2 although initial improvement was partially lost. Patients improved in most HR-QoL domains, without any relapse at T-2. At T-2 participants no longer differed from the average outpatients in any outcome. Initially, the HbAlc of men and women improved equally, but at T-2 women consolidated improvement, whereas men relapsed. After MIEP, patients became more empowered (both at T-1 and T-2), explaining additional variance in HR-QoL improvement. The aim of MIEP to empower patients, rather than trying to solve problems for them seems effective. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.