Effect of peer support on diabetes distress: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Beyond the benefits of usual education, peer support was effective in reducing diabetes distress for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Clinical Trials Registry no: NCT02119572).

Peer support interventions in type 2 diabetes: Review of components and process outcomes

“…Potential PLs were primarily identified through recommendations from health professionals or through centers or databases that contained information on patients with diabetes . Eighteen studies defined eligibility criteria for PL recruitment . Most studies required a personal history of diabetes as an eligibility criterion.…”

“…In three studies, however, a PL could be an individual without diabetes who had cared for or lived with a patient with diabetes . Peer leaders were selected primarily based on their interest in joining the study and acceptable glycemic control (HbA1c ≤8.5%), with some studies requiring PLs to demonstrate strong communication skills—as assessed via interview . Only four studies interviewed the prospective PLs in person prior to selection .…”

“…Of these four, two were conducted in Europe, which globally has the highest number of internet and mobile cellular subscriptions per capita . The technology components included in these studies were email correspondence and the use of smartphone applications …”

“…Studies were conducted in a variety of settings: 12, 1, 3, and 6 studies were held in primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and community‐based settings, respectively (Appendix 2). Only one study was conducted in a joint (primary care and community) setting to reach the recruitment target …”

“…Baseline participants' mean HbA1c was more than 10% in four of the six studies . Twelve studies investigated diabetes distress using measures such as the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) . Of those nine studies, three reported significant improvement in diabetes distress .…”