Added value of an online education intervention among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Acapulco, Mexico: a non-randomized parallel group comparison

Abstract Background Adherence to treatment is essential for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated the added value of an online education intervention in patients with T2DM. Methods The intervention group (57 out-patients) attended 12 online workshops on T2DM. The comparison group (57 out-patients) did not attend any workshop. Primary outcomes were glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose level. Secondary outcomes included blood lipid levels and behaviour favouring blood glucose control. Baseline and final measurements compared the primary and secondary outcomes. Secondary analysis assessed potential confounders. Results Five patients dropped out of the intervention group. At baseline, the average glycosylated haemoglobin at baseline in the comparison group was 8.7% and 8.9% (P = .65) in the intervention group; the final measurements were 8.39% in the comparison group, and 7.79% in the intervention group (P = .1). The average fasting blood glucose level in the baseline was 167 mg/dL in the comparison group and 174 mg/dL (P = .62) in the intervention group; the final measurements were 162 mg/dL in the comparison group, and 139 mg/dL in the intervention group (P = .05). Three secondary outcomes (triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels) and two patient habits (high-caloric intake and number of meals) showed a significant difference (P < .05) in favour of the intervention group. Conclusion The intervention was associated with fasting blood glucose <130 mg/dL; the intervention group showed lower glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose levels. Sharing these results with service providers and patients might motivate them to reinforce diabetes control through an online education intervention initiative.