Effects of Counseling on People at High Risk Group of Type 2 Diabetes in Ruampattanasrimongkoln Community, Mukdaharn Province

Abstract

This study is of one group pretest-posttest experimental design. Its aims were to compare (1) the level of fasting blood sugar, (2) the controllable risk factors, and (3) knowledge about disease and behavior in people at high risk of type 2 diabetes pre and post counseling. Sixty-eight people at high risk of type 2 diabetes were recruited between the first January and 28^th February, 2008 at Ruampatanasrimong Community, Mukdaharn Province. Results indicate that the level of fasting blood sugar (from 110.103±6.0435 to 100.45±11.73 mg/dL) and frequency of carbohydrate consumption, stress, and exercise improved significantly after receiving counseling (p=0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, knowledge of diabetes and behavior improved significantly after counseling from 12.38±2.70 score to 15.5±0.74 score (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in smoking and alcohol drinking. From this study, we can conclude that 2-month counseling is beneficial for people in high risk groups for type 2 diabetes. It can improve knowledge about disease and behavior, the level of fasting blood sugar and food consumption behavior, stress and exercise. The effect of counseling on smoking and alcohol drinking behavior is still unclear, however. Therefore, future studies should focus on smoking and alcohol drinking behavior.