Structured education using Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) reduces long-term HbA_1c and HbA_1c variability

Previous evidence has demonstrated that participation in the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) education programme can reduce HbA_1c and severe hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes. In a number of studies, increased HbA_1c variability has been associated with higher diabetic morbidity and mortality. No studies have examined the impact of structured education on HbA_1c variability in Type 1 diabetes.

People with Type 1 diabetes who had attended DAFNE were identified for inclusion from the Scottish Care Information-Diabetes dataset. HbA_1c median and variability, expressed as coefficient of variation (CV) before and after DAFNE was calculated.

Some 1061 individuals participated in DAFNE education and 687 met the inclusion criteria. A significant median reduction in HbA_1c [-3.5 mmol/mol (-0.3%)] was seen at 12 months with a significant reduction [-1.5 mmol/mol (-0.1%)] still seen at 60 months of follow-up. HbA_1c variability as measured by CV was significantly lower during the post-DAFNE period: 0.08 (IQR 0.05-0.12) reduced to 0.07 (IQR 0.05-0.10); P = 0.002.

The data confirm that DAFNE participation improves glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes with benefits being sustained for 5 years. This study is the first to demonstrate reduced HbA_1c variability after completion of structured education. This is new evidence of the beneficial impact of DAFNE on glycaemic profile.