Real-World Evaluation of the Effects of Counseling and Education in Diabetes Management

• DOI: 10.2337/diaspect.27.4.235
• Publication Date: 2014-11-17T08:18:22Z
• Authors: Mehul R. Dalal; Scott B. Robinson; Sean D. Sullivan
• Keywords: Diabetes management

Background. Patient education has long been recognized as a component of effective diabetes management, but the impact counseling and (C/E) interventions on health care costs is not fully understood. Objectives. To identify incidence type C/E received by 2 patients to evaluate associated economic clinical outcomes. Methods. This retrospective cohort study used Premier-Optum Continuum Care database (2005–2009) compare adult with receiving those (control). The index date was first or, in control cohort, randomly assigned which some delivered. Patients had at least 6 months' pre-index 12 post-index continuous plan coverage. Health glycemic levels were evaluated over months, respectively, adjustment for differences baseline characteristics using propensity score matching (PSM). Results. Of 26,790 identified, 9.3% one intervention (mean age 53 years, 47% men) 90.7% no 57 54% men). Standard most common form (73%). After PSM, improvements (among laboratory values available), without increased risk hypoglycemia, incurred $2,335 per-patient less diabetes-related costs, although their total increased. Conclusions. Despite low uptake services, may be benefits months. Further analyses are needed long-term cost-effectiveness such initiatives.