Effectiveness of structured distance education on metabolic control, self-care, and health literacy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured distance education program on metabolic control, self-care activities, and health literacy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial design with block randomization (1:1 allocation) was conducted at a university hospital's endocrine outpatient clinic. A total of 100 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 50), receiving structured weekly distance education via Zoom sessions (each 40 min) for four weeks, or a control group (n = 50) receiving routine outpatient care. Data were collected using metabolic control parameters (BMI, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c), Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, and Health Literacy Scale at baseline and after three months.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in metabolic control parameters, self-care activities, and health literacy in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Positive correlations were identified between health literacy and diabetes self-care behaviors post-intervention.

Conclusion: Structured distance education significantly enhances metabolic control, self-care, and health literacy in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. The study highlights the importance and practicality of integrating telehealth technologies into routine diabetes management and patient education, offering effective strategies to overcome barriers inherent in traditional educational methods.