A 5-dimension patient education program targeting type 2 diabetes remission

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) reversal has been demonstrated in patients undergoing bariatric surgery or low caloric diets. Objective: To investigate the effects of therapeutic patient education alone on T2D reversal in early diagnosed patients. Methods: Seventeen T2D patients underwent a one-week therapeutic education program, followed by 12 months of 1 hour sessions every month, targeting diabetes reversal. This reversal was determined using the DiaRem score which integrates glycated hemoglobin levels and antidiabetic drug treatment. Patient’s conceptions, perceptions and motivation were assessed using a 5-dimensional psychopedagogic score. Results: After 1 year, the mean HbA1C fell from 7.2% (± 1.9) to 6.2% (± 0.8) (p < 0.05), antidiabetic drug doses decreased by 25% (p < 0.05), and the DiaRem score increased by 15% (p < 0.01), indicating a reversal of the disease, not correlated to weight loss. At the end of the study, 15 out of 17 patients had excellent glycemic control (HbA1C < 7.0%) and 4 patients had parameters compatible with partial diabetes remission. A significant improvement in glycemic control coupled with a lowering of antidiabetic drug treatment was observed. Conclusions: Following an initial therapeutic education program and regular consultation sessions thereafter, early diagnosed patients may reverse their type 2 diabetes.