An integrative literature review of cardiac risk factor management in diabetes education interventions

The purposes of this paper are to (1) review the literature on educational interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes; (2) determine what kinds of interventions have been studied; (3) identify which interventions have included cardiac risk factor management; (4) determine how effective these interventions have been on metabolic control, diabetes-related outcomes, and cardiovascular-related outcomes; and (5) make recommendations for further research on combined interventions designed to promote optimal diabetes and cardiac risk factor management in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Using an integrative literature review approach, 64 studies on diabetes education interventions for adults with diabetes published between 1987 and 1998 were reviewed; 44 met these criteria.

Few studies included cardiac risk factor management, which should be an integral part of diabetes management. Most studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of education on the management of type 2 diabetes but not cardiovascular risk.

Identifying strategies that promote effective disease management for improved diabetes control and reduction of cardiac events in adults with diabetes is essential. Further intervention studies focusing on the combined management of diabetes and cardiac risk factors are warranted.