Effect of theory-based individual counseling on physical activity and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus : a quasi-experimental study

Abstract EN

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 8.541.35 to 7.731.25) compared to those in the control group (from 8.571.38 to 8.511.43) at 24-weeks follow-up (P < 0.001).

There was a significant increase in the physical activity of patients in the experimental group (From 224.619.7 to 244.6 12.9) compared to those in the control group (from 226.317.4 to 23111.1) 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.