Effects of a personal health coaching intervention (dbcoach) on physical activity and glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes - A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the dbcoach intervention in improving key health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design: The study employed a pragmatic randomized controlled trial with 100 participants randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving 12 months of telephone-based coaching plus standard care, or a control group receiving standard care only.

Methods: Primary outcomes were objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and glycated hemoglobin, while secondary outcomes included further physical activity measures, diet, anthropometrics, medication, and quality of life. Data were collected at baseline as well as after 6 and 12 months. Linear mixed-effects models were employed for analysis.

Results: The intervention improved moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Cohen's d = 0.51; 95 % confidence interval: 0.11, 0.90) with an increase of 14.2 (95 % confidence interval: 3.0, 25.3) minutes per day. However, the effect on glycated hemoglobin was negligible (95 % confidence interval: -0.20; 0.32, -0.72). Sedentary behavior was decreased (Cohen's d = -0.20; -0.71, 0.31). Analysis of medication showed variability, with decreased use of total insulin (rate ratio = 0.82; confidence interval 0.50, 3.03), but higher overall diabetes medication in the intervention group. There were no differences in diet (Cohen's d = -0.12; 95 % confidence interval: -0.78, 0.53) and BMI (Cohen's d = 0.01; 95% confidence interval: -0.16, 0.15).

Conclusions: The dbcoach intervention increased physical activity but did not impact glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes patients. While the intervention can enhance physical activity, additional strategies may be necessary for glycemic control.