[Metabolic improvement of diabetes mellitus through pamphlets on the norms of self-monitoring control measures].
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether giving a leaflet containing norms of self-control to diabetics receiving insulin treatment results in a metabolic improvement. The HbA1c was established prior and subsequent to giving out the leaflet. The written norms contained in the leaflet were highlighted from the wider range of instructions obtained from diabetes education.


METHODS
A longitudinal intervention study with no random allocation.


METHODS
Hospital care in a specialised Endocrinology clinic.


METHODS
122 types 1 and 2 diabetics, treated with various insulin diets, who had received prior diabetes education and carried out blood self-controls. Cases of meta-diabetic syndrome, serious illnesses and those without apparent hypoglycaemia symptoms were excluded.


METHODS
Giving out of a leaflet with written norms of self-control.


RESULTS
The averages, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals of the basal HbA1c and of those at four-monthly check-ups were calculated. Basal 8.07 (CI 7.75 - 8.39); 4th month 6.88 (CI 6.74 - 7.17); 8th month 6.59 CI 6.29 - 6.90); 12th month 6.60 (CI 6.23 - 6.94); 16th month 6.06 (CI 5.63 - 6.49); 20th month 5.40 (CI 3.04 - 7.75). Averages were compared by the Student T test and all values had p < 0.005 against the basal.


CONCLUSIONS
Following the written norms produced a clear metabolic improvement, represented by the significant fall of HbA1c. Therefore, though without ignoring the overall context of treatment and diabetes education, it is proposed that the relationship of the most practical features of insulin dosing to written norms of self-control should be emphasised.
Albero
R
R
Unidad de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza.
Acha
J
J
Sanz
A
A
Casamayor
L
L
Playán
J
J
Boudet
A
A
D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care
Mejoría metabólica de la diabetes mellitus mediante el seguimiento de normas escritas de autocontrol.