The Effects of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Quality of Life for Persons With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Purpose: It is well documented that chronic conditions, such as diabetes, impact quality of life (QoL). QoL assessment is essential when developing and evaluating diabetes self-management education support interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence and gaps in the research and the impact of diabetes self-management education (DSME) on QoL outcomes in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods A systematic review of English language studies published between January 1, 2007, and March 31, 2020, was conducted using a modified Cochrane review method. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), participants had T1DM with or without caregivers, a DSME intervention alone or a component(s) of the ADCES7™ Self-Care Behaviors was described, and QoL was a primary or secondary outcome. A 3-tiered review process was utilized for selecting articles. Retained articles were assessed for risk of bias. Results: Nineteen articles, reporting on 17 RCTs, met inclusion criteria, of which 7 studies reported QoL as the primary outcome and 10 as a secondary outcome. Seven studies detected significant impact of DMSE on QoL outcomes in either the participants or family caregivers, which varied in participant populations, selection of QoL tools (generic vs diabetes-specific), intervention type, intervention length, and type of interventionist. Conclusion: DSME has the potential to influence QoL outcomes in people with T1DM. Research using more standardized methods are needed to delineate impact on a broader range of factors that influence QoL for those living with T1DM across the life span and their caregivers.

Impact of Diabetes Self-Management Education/Support on Self-Reported Quality of Life in Youth With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

“…After identifying a significant number of population-specific RCT studies, the research team decided to parse out the studies to 2 specific populations. These studies included individuals with T1DM across the age spectrum 35 and the focus of this review, studies with pediatric participants with diabetes. All articles specific to this report were reassessed to ensure each met the age-specific population, ages 8 to 21 years, with youth capable of self-report and meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria.…”

Commentary on the Article “Effects of Blended Self-Management Training on Knowledge and Self-Care Behaviors of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial”

“…Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) has many benefits including reduction in A1C [1], decreased weight [2], improvement in diabetes knowledge and self-care behaviors, improved quality of life, and positive coping behaviors [3][4][5]. It is therefore recommended that all people with diabetes participate in DSMES [6].…”

A Year of Progress: Contributing to Our Evidence Base, Expanding Our Scope, and Increasing Our Diversity

“…Your ADCES Research Committee and other targeted writing groups published an array of research articles this year, representing a culmination of work. Some of these included topics regarding DSMES impact on quality of life in type 1 diabetes across the age spectrum, 1 DSMES impact on quality of life in youths with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, 2 and DSMES impact on economic and utilization variables, all three published in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care. In addition, the Value of the Specialty article 3 was published in Clinical Diabetes , the article reporting the results of the National Practice Survey 2021 4 was published, and several others.…”