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Good Literacy to Enhance Response in Diabetes Mellitus (GLITTER-DM)
Yen H Dang1, Nima M Patel-Shori2, Michael Barros2
1University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Department of Pharmacy Practice.
Innovations in Pharmacy
|May 19, 2021
Summary
Individualized communication and self-management plans significantly improved A1c control in patients with low health literacy. Pharmacists can enhance diabetes outcomes using simplified teaching methods for this population.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Health Literacy
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Low health literacy is a barrier to effective diabetes self-management.
- Patients with low health literacy often have poorer glycemic control (A1c > 7%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of individualized communication strategies and self-management action plans in improving A1c control.
- To evaluate interventions in patients with low health literacy at 3 months.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 23 patients with diabetes mellitus and low health literacy (REALM-R score ≤ 6).
- Intervention group (N=12) received teach-back method, personalized actions, and follow-up calls.
- Control group (N=11) received usual care.
Main Results:
- Intervention group showed a significantly greater A1c reduction (-2.0% vs -1.0%, P=0.02).
- Fewer hyperglycemic events occurred weekly in the intervention group (0.1 vs 2.1, P=0.04).
- No significant differences in hypoglycemia, adherence, or hospitalizations were observed.
Conclusions:
- Literacy-appropriate methods, including teach-back and personalized plans, can improve glycemic control in low health literate patients.
- Pharmacists can effectively manage diabetes in patients with low health literacy using simplified communication.
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