Impact of a nutrition/educational program in a group of type 2 diabetes patients, already involved in a wider “Group Care†plan and not achieving complete target: an observational study

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most frequent chronic degenerative diseases in the world (5.4% in Italy); it has many chronic consequences with a significant impact either on expectation or quality of life. About 80-90% of type 2 diabetes patients is either overweight or obese, condition that can cause many more negative consequences than in individuals in the same conditions but with normal weight. The aim of the research is to assess if diabetic people who cannot reach the goals of glycemic control, good eating habits and weight loss can eventually obtain, with an individualized care plan, long lasting improvements. This study involved a little group of diabetic patients who did not achieve an optimal therapeutic target. These patients have been individually followed by a dietician for six months through a program of dietetic counseling and regular controls and at the end we compare the results of another group of diabetic people, involved in the Group Care Plan (but without the support of the dietitian). The nutrition educational program determined a significant weight loss (- 4.62 kg vs + 3.46 kg; p<0.05), a reduction of waist circumference (-5.34 cm vs + 4.15 cm; p<0.05), an improvement of glycemic control (Hb1Ac: - 0.67 % vs + 0.57%; p<0.05), lipidic profile (total cholesterol: - 1 mg/dl vs + 12.85 mg/dl; p<0.05) and perceived quality of life (Test Att 19: 0 subjects vs 6 subjects). An individualized nutrition educational program in patients with type 2 diabetes not achieving a therapeutic target can optimize global care of the disease.