Results from the first Culturally Tailored, Multidisciplinary Diabetes Education in Lebanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Self-Care and Metabolic Outcomes.

Abstract Objective: This pilot-study tested the effect of culturally-tailored education targeting diabetes self-care on glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors of Lebanese with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: A sample of 27 adults (Age: 61±10yrs, 59% males, HbA1c:8.98±1.38%) with T2DM was recruited from primary health care centers in Beirut. Participants received culturally tailored, multidisciplinary education. Scales assessing self-care, social support, fatalism, and diabetes knowledge, as well as anthropometric measures, and blood samples were collected at baseline, 3-months and 6-months post- intervention. Results: Diabetes self-care (Diet, Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose and foot care) improved after 6 months, which was reflected in a significant drop in glycemic level (HbA1c:-0.5%; FPG: -38 mg/dl), and cholesterol/HDL ratio (4.45±1.39 vs. 4.06±1.29). Waist circumference decreased at 6 months compared to 3 months (p<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first effective culturally-tailored intervention that improved self-care, glycemic control, body adiposity and blood lipids of Lebanese with T2DM. Larger scale implementation with representative sample is warranted.