Authors' objectives: To conduct a systematic review focusing on the effectiveness of behavioral programs for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and identifying factors contributing to program effectiveness for type 2 diabetes (T2DM)

Authors' recommendations: Behavioral programs for T1DM offer some benefit for glycemic control when followup extends beyond end of intervention up to 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference at end of intervention or followup timepoints longer than 6 months, although our confidence in these findings is low and benefit cannot be ruled out. More evidence is required to determine the effects of behavioral programs for other outcomes, including lifestyle behaviors, body composition, diabetes-specific quality of life, diabetes distress, and complications. For T2DM, our analyses showed limited benefit in glycemic control from DSME programs offering ≤10 hours of contact with delivery personnel and suggested that in-person delivery of behavioral programs is more beneficial than communicating the information with incorporation of technology. Behavioral programs seem to benefit individuals having suboptimal or poor glycemic control more than those with good control. Tailoring programs to ethnic minorities appears to be beneficial.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/560/2124/diabetes-behavior-programs-report-150924.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)