Impact of diabetes education and self-management on the quality of care for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Middle East (the International Diabetes Mellitus Practices Study, IDMPS)

Abstract Aims Self-management (self-monitoring of blood glucose, plus self-adjustment of insulin dose) is important in diabetes care, but its complexity presents a barrier to wider implementation, which hinders attainment and maintenance of glycemic targets. More evidence on self-management is needed to increase its implementation and improve metabolic outcomes. Methods Data from 1316 participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were enrolled from Middle East countries into the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS), a multinational observational survey, were analyzed to assess the impact of education on disease management and outcomes. Results A majority (78%) of participants failed to achieve glycemic target (HbA 1c p 1c than those who did not (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.06–2.09; p  = 0.023). Conclusions These relationships between diabetes education, self-management and glycemic control suggest that diabetes education provides knowledge and skills to optimize self-management, favoring HbA 1c target attainment. Middle East health authorities should search for ways to facilitate access to diabetes education to optimize treatment outcomes.