Effect of Theory-Based Individual Counseling on Physical Activity and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Theory-based individual counseling interventions targeting physical activity that produce glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are warranted. However, little is known about how caregivers should support patients with type 2 diabetes to achieve and sustain a physically active lifestyle. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of theory-based individual counseling on promoting physical activity and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted from March to September 2016 in Tonekabon, Iran. Using a simple random sampling method, 80 patients, with type 2 diabetes, who were members of the Iranian Diabetes Association were assigned to experimental and control groups. The patients in the experimental group participated in a four-week educational program that included a 90-minute general education session and a 40-minute individual counseling session. The control group did not receive any training program. All the patients were evaluated at a base time, 12 and 24 weeks follow up for demographic data, clinical measures, stages of Change Scale, and a seven-day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire (PAR). Results: Individual counseling interventions showed statistically significant increases in HBA1C of patients in the experimental group (from 8.54 +/- 1.35 to 7.73 +/- 1.25) compared to those in the control group (from 8.57 +/- 1.38 to 8.51 +/- 1.43) at 24-weeks follow-up (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the physical activity of patients in the experimental group (From 224.6 +/- 19.7 to 244.6 +/- 12.9) compared to those in the control group (from 226.3 +/- 17.4 to 231 +/- 11.1) at 24-weeks follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study confirmed that education based on the Stages of Change Model and individual consulting can be used as a framework to increase physical activity and improve metabolic profile in type 2 diabetic patients.