Eighteen studies were included in the review (n=1,496 participants): five RCTs (n=527), six pre-/post-treatment studies (n=397) and seven quasi-experimental studies (n=572). Follow-up ranged from one to six months.
Thirteen studies (three RCTs, four pre-/post-treatment studies and six quasi-experimental studies) showed that educational interventions improved diabetes knowledge with follow-up of one to six months after the last intervention contact. Five studies (two pre-/post-treatment studies and three quasi-experimental studies) observed increased frequency or accuracy of self-monitoring of blood glucose. Three studies (two RCTs and one pre-/post-treatment study) showed that educational interventions improved quality of life.
Percentage changes in HbA1c ranged from 0.75% to 3.2% in the intervention groups and from 0.2% to 1.52% in the control groups (number of studies not reported). Five studies (two RCTs and three quasi-experimental studies) showed that both educational interventions and control groups improved HbA1c measure; HbA1c measure decreased more in the educational intervention group of four studies. Four studies (two pre-/post-treatment studies and two quasi-experimental studies) demonstrated improved glycaemic control at three-month follow-up after completion of an intervention.
Results for other outcomes, such as changes in nutritional diet and weight, were reported.