Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-management Education Intervention Elements: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aimed to examine differences in knowledge, self-management behaviours and metabolic control associated with various diabetes self-management education (DSME) intervention elements. METHODS: Fifty randomized, controlled trials evaluating DSME interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes, published in English between 1990 and 2006, were included in the analysis. Data related to type of intervention, teaching method, mode of delivery and dose were extracted. RESULTS: Overall, the weighted mean effect size of the DSME interventions was 1.29 for knowledge, 0.51 for metabolic control and 0.36 for self-management behaviours. Differences in outcomes were observed for number of sessions, duration of intervention and provision of booster sessions. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide researchers and practitioners with evidence to guide the design of DSME interventions that are effective in improving knowledge, behaviour and metabolic control outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes.