The Impact of Home Care on Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Discharged After Surgery.

Abstract

Introduction: More than a third of diabetes patients undergo surgery at least once in their lifetime. However, there is limited research on managing the needs of these patients after hospital discharge.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of home care on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients discharged from hospitals.

Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. About 69 type 2 diabetes patients undergoing surgery were assigned to intervention and control groups after discharge orders. Home care was provided for three months with an interprofessional approach. Data collection tools included diabetes-related quality of life questionnaire and laboratory tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 with parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results: HbA1C levels decreased significantly in the intervention group over the three-month period (P < 0.05), whereas this decrease was not significant in the control group (P > 0.05). The mean quality of life scores improved in satisfaction and future concern domains in the intervention group and in the social concern domain in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean changes in total quality of life scores over three months post-discharge were not significant in both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that structured home care delivered through a team-based approach contributes not only to improved glycemic control but also to enhancing specific dimensions of quality of life-particularly satisfaction with life despite diabetes and reduced concerns about the future-in post-surgical diabetic patients. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating such services into post-discharge care plans to support patient well-being and recovery.