Enhancing diabetes self-care is known to improve glycemic control and dietary habits of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this pilot-study was to test the effect of culturally-tailored educational program targeting diabetes self-care on glycemic control of Lebanese patients with T2DM, of low socioeconomic status. A convenience sample of 27 adults (Age: 61±10 years, 59% males, A1C: 8.98±1.38%) diagnosed with T2DM for at least one year was recruited from two dispensaries in Beirut. Participants received culturally-tailored, multidisciplinary educational sessions based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral model and on American Diabetes Association’s National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), Social Support Scale (SS), Diabetes Fatalism Scale (DFS), and Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT), as well as blood samples (HbA1c, Fasting Plasma Glucose) were collected at baseline, three months and six months post-intervention. Results revealed improvements in various diabetes self-care activities (Diet, SMBG and foot care) after 6 months, which was reflected in a significant decrease in glycaemia (HbA1C: -0.5%; FPG: -38 mg/dl; p<0.05). Other variables did not change significantly post-intervention. This is the first intervention study showing the effectiveness of a culturally-tailored, multidisciplinary education program in improving glycemic control and diabetes self-care behavior of Lebanese patients with T2DM. It sets the stage for larger scale implementation with more representative sample.

Improving diabetes self-care and glycemic outcome in Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a culturally tailored study