Outcome Analysis of Hemoglobin A1c, Weight, and Blood Pressure in a VA Diabetes Education Program

Objective: To determine the effect of a specific diabetes education class (Basics) on hemoglobin A1c values, weight, and systolic blood pressure. Design: In this retrospective study, the researchers compared 2 groups of male veterans with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. One group received diabetes group education (n = 175) over a 4-month period, and the other received standard diabetes management follow-up (n = 184). Setting: Outpatient clinic setting in the Midwest. Interventions: Basics class compared with standard level of care. Main Outcome Measures: Pre- and post-laboratory values for hemoglobin A1c, weight, and systolic blood pressure. Analysis: Multivariate analysis of covariance and follow-up univariate statistics for significant differences. Results: Findings revealed significant differences in hemoglobin A1c (P < .001) and weight (P < .001) in the treatment group compared with the control group. No significant difference was found in systolic blood pressure readings between the 2 groups. There was a significant difference in weight change between groups, with the treatment group demonstrating greater weight loss. Conclusions and Implication: There was an association between participation in the Basics diabetes education curriculum and reduction of hemoglobin A1c values. Some participants also had added benefit of significant weight loss.