Med Klin
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[A structured treatment and educational program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy and impaired cognitive function (DikoL)].
More than 50% of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and impaired cognitive function are overtaxed with some topics of established structured treatment and teaching programs for patients with insulin therapy. This leads to substantial deficits in respect of the patients' ability of diabetes self-management (insulin injections, self-monitoring) and the need for help by relatives and social workers. The consequences are an impaired quality of life and a great deal of expense in the welfare system. Since 1996, a specialized structured treatment and teaching program for patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, and impaired cognitive function (DikoL) has been developed. Main differences in comparison to established programs were less theoretical topics (no pathophysiology, no insulin action, no complicated calculation of carbohydrate pounds) and more time for practical exercise. In a randomized prospective study, the effectiveness of the DikoL program was evaluated. ⋯ Following the wishes of the majority of diabetes educators as well as diabetologists but also patients' wishes, a specially designed structured treatment and teaching program for patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, and impaired cognitive function was designed. DikoL is the first program evaluated in a randomized, prospective trial. It clearly demonstrated a bet-ter outcome for patients with impaired cognitive function in respect of diabetes self-management and satisfaction. With its implementation, patients' quality of diabetes care can be improved in a substantial manner.