Improvement of A1C in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Through the Implementation of Diabetes Self-Management Protocol

Abstract

One of the current problems seen in healthcare is the alarming increase in cases of new-onset diabetes type 2 and uncontrolled diabetes type 2. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become one of the most common chronic illnesses and is an ongoing growing problem in the United States and worldwide (Macido, 2019). To improve patient safety, quality of patient care, and outcomes, diabetes care should be implemented using a foundation of evidence-based practice. Patients with T2D should be equipped with practical diabetes self-management education (DSME) and medical management to achieve optimal diabetes control, quality of life, and outcomes (Macido, 2019). This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to develop a protocol for diabetes self-management among patients with type two diabetes to improve hemoglobin A1C levels; by expanding and improving patients’ knowledge on managing their illness as evidenced by the patient’s outcomes. The project lead and trained the team to assist in implementing the quality improvement project. The project was implemented using the Chronic Care Model Framework at a private primary care facility in the Inland Empire. This project evaluation focused on assessing the patient’s knowledge of self-management of T2D. This was accomplished by giving patients pre-and post-quizzes on diabetes self-management assessment and brief education highlighting the importance of improving their hemoglobin A1C levels to avoid detrimental complications. Education was provided using easy-to-read visual tools. The implementation of the DSME protocol demonstrated several positive outcomes. Patients became proficient in performing daily blood glucose checks and keeping a blood glucose log, and improved knowledge of diabetes-self management and blood glucose target levels. Additionally, there was a significant change in hemoglobin A1C levels.