Family-based intervention by pharmacists for type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial

To investigate the effectiveness of family intervention for type 2 diabetes and to examine predictors of glycaemic control.

This was a prospective randomised controlled trial. Participants with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 98) or a control group (n = 98). A pharmacist delivered the educational sessions and encouraged family members to take an active role in self-management practices for the intervention patients. The control patients received usual care.

At the end of the study (9-month follow-up), greater reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) occurred in the intervention group than in the control group (-1.37% and -0.21%, respectively; P < 0.001). Between-group differences in the improvements of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and blood pressure were found (P < 0.05). Higher scores in diabetes knowledge of patients, family support, medication adherence, self-management and self-efficacy were seen in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed family members who were spouses or women were strong predictors of improved glycaemic control.

Family-involvement intervention is helpful in diabetes management, especially having spouses or women as caregivers.

Family involvement should be encouraged in diabetes care.