The Effect of Health Coaching and Education on the Control of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: This study aims to test the effect of health coaching and education on the control of Type 2 diabetes in terms of HbA1c. Methods: We enrolled 123 participants; (61 control and 62 intervention). This randomized controlled trial compared usual care with an intervention that entailed health-coaching skills. The inclusion criteria as follows: age 18 years, HbA1c 6.5 or more and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The data were collected from the outcome measures at baseline and after three months of follow up. The primary outcome was HbA1c; secondary outcome was BMI (Body Mass Index). The data were analyzed using linear regression. Results: The participants in the intervention group had significant improvements in HbA1c (Diabetes Empowerment Scale, with a mean difference of 1.78 % compared to that of the control group (p=0.032) and a decrease in BMI (with a mean difference of 0.9 kg/m compared to that of the control group, p <0.001). Conclusions: Diabetes health coaching has an Major role in healthcare that facilitates self-care, behavior change and offers frequent follow up and support. Health coaching for those with diabetes is an effective intervention for improving glycemic control.