Diabetes and Social Issues: Evaluation of a Diabetes Education Module

A Prospective Multi-center Evaluation of a Diabetes Education Module Specifically Addressing the Topic "Diabetes and Social Issues" in a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is a multi-center, randomized prospective trial with a 6-month follow up. A newly developed treatment and education module will be tested compared to a waiting-list control group. The module covers the topic "diabetes and social issues". Primary outcome variable is diabetes-specific empowerment regarding diabetes and social issues. Secondary outcome variables are: diabetes-related distress, health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, self-care behavior, and glycemic control.

The module consists of one lesson (duration: 90 minutes). The module is derived from the empowerment approach and is based on the previously evaluated education and treatment program for type 1 diabetes: PRIMAS (NCT01220557). The module is designed as a group session held by a trained diabetes educator. Patients are randomized either to the immediate participation in the module or to the control group. Control group is a waiting-list control group. Patients in this waiting-list control group get the education after the completion of the 6-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intensive insulin treatment
• specific interest in "Diabetes and Social Issues"
• wish to participate in group education
• informed consent
• fluent in reading and speaking German language

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes duration < 4 week
• severe organic disease (e.g. terminal renal disease, cancer with poor prognosis)
• current treatment of a mental disease
• cognitive impairment
• dementia
• pregnancy