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Effect of social networks intervention in type 2 diabetes: a partial randomised study
  1. Fadia T Shaya1,2,
  2. Viktor V Chirikov1,
  3. DeLeonardo Howard1,
  4. Clyde Foster1,
  5. Julian Costas3,
  6. Soren Snitker2,
  7. Jeffrey Frimpter3,
  8. Kathrin Kucharski3
  1. 1University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  2. 2University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  3. 3Sanofi US, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Fadia T Shaya, Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland Schools Pharmacy and Medicine, 220 Arch Street, Room 01-204, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; fshaya{at}rx.umaryland.edu

Abstract

Background In this partially randomised intervention study, we assessed the effect of social networks on the improvement of type 2 diabetes management in a largely African–American population in Baltimore.

Methods Patients in the intervention group (n=68) were asked to recruit peers, form small groups, and attend monthly diabetes education sessions, emphasising peer support. Patients in the control group (n=70) were recruited individually to attend standard diabetes education sessions. The primary outcomes were changes in haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and blood glucose. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure, weight, functional status, self-efficacy, perceived cohesion, social network connectedness and diabetes knowledge. General linear mixed models were built to assess mean absolute changes in primary and secondary outcomes at 3 and 6 months.

Results At 6 months from baseline, the social network intervention group achieved a larger reduction in HbA1c of −0.32% (p<0.0001) and blood glucose of −10.6 mg/dL, (p<0.0001) compared to the control group. In analyses of secondary endpoints, the intervention group had more favourable outcomes over time for weight, quality of life, self-efficacy, social network scores and diabetes knowledge, compared to the control group. While blood pressure decreased, and perceived cohesion increased in both groups over the duration of the study, the difference between groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusions The social networks intervention showed improved integration of patients within their existing networks leading to a greater reduction in HbA1c and blood glucose, as well as improved behaviour mediating outcomes.

  • Diabetes
  • Health Education SA
  • Health Promotion

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