Self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes: Group-based versus individual education. A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trails.

<bold>Aim: </bold>Patient education is an essential component of the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present meta-analysis was aimed at verifying the efficacy of group-based versus individual education for self-management in patients with T2DM.<bold>Data Synthesis: </bold>A Medline and Embase search up to January 1st, 2021, was performed, including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) with duration>6 months, enrolling patients with T2DM and comparing individual-based with group-based educational programs. The primary outcome was endpoint HbA1c; secondary endpoints were lipid profile, body weight, blood pressure, patients' adherence/knowledge, and quality of life. The weighed difference in means (WMD) and Mantel-Haenzel Odds Ratio (MH-OR), with 95% Confidence Interval (CI), were calculated. We retrieved 14 RCT. No significant between-group difference in HbA1c (WMD -0.39[-0.89; 0.09] mmol/mol, p = 0.11) was observed. At metaregression analyses, longer trial duration, higher baseline mean age and duration of diabetes, and lower baseline HbA1c were correlated with greater efficacy of group-based programs in reducing HbA1c. When analyzed separately, trials excluding insulin-treated patients showed a significant reduction of HbA1c in favor of group education.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>In patients with T2DM, group education has similar efficacy as individual education on glucose control. Group programs are associated with an improved quality of life and patients' knowledge.<bold>Prospero and Osf Registration: </bold>ID243149. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]