title: Outcome analysis of hemoglobin A1c, weight, and blood pressure in a VA diabetes education program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of a specific diabetes education class (Basics) on hemoglobin A1c values, weight, and systolic blood pressure.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective study, the researchers compared 2 groups of male veterans with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. One group received diabetes group education (n = 175) over a 4-month period, and the other received standard diabetes management follow-up (n = 184).
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient clinic setting in the Midwest.
  
  
  METHODS
  Basics class compared with standard level of care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre- and post-laboratory values for hemoglobin A1c, weight, and systolic blood pressure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multivariate analysis of covariance and follow-up univariate statistics for significant differences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings revealed significant differences in hemoglobin A1c (P < .001) and weight (P < .001) in the treatment group compared with the control group. No significant difference was found in systolic blood pressure readings between the 2 groups. There was a significant difference in weight change between groups, with the treatment group demonstrating greater weight loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was an association between participation in the Basics diabetes education curriculum and reduction of hemoglobin A1c values. Some participants also had added benefit of significant weight loss.
authors.affiliation: St Cloud VA Health Care System, St Cloud, MN. Electronic address: Susan.North2@va.gov.
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: North
authors.affiliation: St Cloud VA Health Care System, St Cloud, MN.
authors.forename: Glen A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009043:Motor Activity; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human
keywords: diabetes; hemoglobin A1c; hypertension; nutrition education; overweight; veterans