Association Between Diabetes Mellitus Education and Self-Management Pre- and Post-COVID-19

PurposeThis study explored the association between diabetes education and self-management during different COVID-19 periods.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingKorea Community Health Survey (2019, 2021, and 2022) and the data from Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency.Participants78, 860 individuals with diabetes who participated in the 2019, 2021, and 2022 KCHS.MeasureDiabetes education was categorized according to whether individuals received education on how to manage the disease. Diabetes self-management was assessed using self-checking and screening of HbA1c levels.AnalysisMultiple logistic regression analysis and a subgroup analysis examined the regional impact of COVID-19 on this association.ResultsParticipants who received education before and after COVID-19 were more likely to self-manage their diabetes than those without education (pre-COVID-19 aOR = 2.11, post-COVID-19, 2022 aOR = 2.04, and post-COVID-19, 2021 aOR = 1.94). Those in regions with lower COVID-19 incidence had slightly higher self-management rates (pre-COVID-19 aOR = 2.37; post-COVID-19 2022 aOR = 2.33; post-COVID-19 2021 aOR = 2.02) compared to participants in high-incidence regions (pre-COVID-19 aOR = 1.96; post COVID-19 2021 aOR = 1.89 and post COVID-19 2022 aOR = 1.89).ConclusionsDiabetes education has a positive impact on self-management, which is especially important during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.