Behavior Change Counseling Strategies (BCC) as an Effective Treatment Approach Along with Insulin Regimens for Type1 Young Adult Diabetes Mellitus Patients from a Busy Diabetic Clinic—A Randomized Single-Blinded Controlled Trial: Pilot Study

Abstract To assess the effects of behavior change counseling (BCC) motivational interviewing (MI) sessions strategies in young adults aged 18 to 55 years with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus in a busy diabetic clinic in Bawshar, Oman, compared to a control group receiving “treatment as usual.” Participants were randomized to BCC/MI intervention group (n = 25; males n = 17 and females n = 8) or control (n = 25; males n = 16 and females n = 9). At week 1 BCC/MI participants had brief MI sessions, while controls received standard care as per current clinical practice of the existing health care facility. Assessments were repeated at baseline and 3 months. The data was analyzed using nonparametric statistical methods like Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05. The data analysis was done by software R. Primary outcomes including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values were measured at baseline and at 3 months' follow-up. Results showed a reduction in the intervention group (BCC/MI) of median HBA1c by 1.2% and reduction in median LDL levels by 0.9 mmol/L. The p-value was p < 0.0001 (significant at p < 0.05). The median HbA1c level in the control group increased by 1.3% and the median LDL level increased by 0.2 mmol/L after the standard level of care. The p-value was < 0.0001 (significant at p < 0.05). This is the first study of its kind conducted as part of routine clinical care in Oman. The results highlight a significant reduction in HbA1c and LDL and benefit to patients. A larger study is needed to clarify the results and if confirmed, implementing BCC training to health care providers will reduce diabetes mellitus complications and the economic burden of Oman.