Results from the first culturally tailored, multidisciplinary diabetes education in Lebanese adults with type 2 diabetes: effects on self-care and metabolic outcomes

Objective Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an essential component of lifestyle management needed for diabetes care. This pilot-study tested the effect of culturally-tailored education targeting diabetes selfcare on glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors of Lebanese with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 27; Age: 61 +/- 10 yrs, 59% males, HbA1c: 8.98 +/- 1.38%). Results Diabetes self-care (Diet, Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose and foot care) improved after 6 months, which was reflected in a significant drop in glycemic levels (HbA1c:-0.5%; FPG: - 38 mg/dl), and cholesterol/HDL ratio (4.45 +/- 1.39 vs. 4.06 +/- 1.29). Waist circumference decreased at 6 months compared to 3 months (p < 0.05). This is the first effective culturally-tailored intervention that improved self-care, glycemic control, body adiposity and lipid profile of Lebanese with T2DM. Larger scale implementation with representative sample is warranted.