Evaluation of a patient education booklet (SimpleStart) effect on postprandial glucose control in type 2 diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Post-meal hyperglycemia is emerging as a cardiovascular risk factor and may be elevated despite a hemoglobin A1C (A1C) of <7%. The Simple Start DVD (LifeScan, Milpitas, CA) was developed to educate patients about glycemic targets and dietary changes that could lessen glycemic excursions. We evaluated SimpleStart in a controlled, randomized, prospective trial using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).


METHODS
Thirty subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus having an A1C of <7.0% (mean 6.0%) were recruited from the Center's population. Subjects were randomized to either Simple Start DVD presentation and a 30-min diet education course (SS Group) or just the latter (Control Group). Subjects were seen at baseline and during weeks 6 and 12 by an investigator. Life-style and medication changes were advised based on history and self-monitored blood glucose downloaded meter data. CGM and A1C were done at baseline and during weeks 6 and 12.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight subjects completed the 12-week study with 14 subjects in the SS Group and Control Group being compared. There was no significant difference in the baseline or subsequent A1C levels or overall CGM glucose values between groups or over time. SMBG frequency was significantly increased in the SS Group from <1.0 per day to 2.0 per day (P < 0.001). At week 12, the mean glucose for the 4-h after-meal period was significantly lower in the SS Group than in the Control Group at breakfast and lunch in those subjects with adequate CGM tracings (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
An educational program incorporating Simple Start facilitates patient behavioral changes, decreasing post-meal hyperglycemia.
King
Allen B
AB
Diabetes Care Center, Salinas, California 93901, USA. aking@diabetescarecenter.com
Wolfe
Gary S
GS
Armstrong
Dana U
DU
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D019518:Postprandial Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin