Diabetes Management with Occupational Therapy

Managing diabetes is a significant challenge and can reduce quality of life, especially as an young adult from a low socioeconomic status. New research from the University of Southern California tested a intervention program, using occupational therapy, focused on helping patient manage lifestyle related activities, habits, and goals, with hopes to improve A1C levels.

The program called REAL Diabetes offers a seven modules that include “topics: assessment and goal-setting; living with diabetes; access and advocacy; activity and health; social support; emotions and well-being; and long-term health.” Patient involved in the program received a minimum of ten hours with a licensed occupational therapist, over a six month course.

The control group received a home visit with educational materials and 11 follow up telephone conversation over six month period. There was a total of 40 participants, all of the patient are from a low socioeconomic status or racial/ethnic minority backgrounds between the ages of 18- 30 years old, with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The patients that complete the program “showed significant improvements” with the management of the diabetes. Each patient showed a drop in there HbA1c, a blood test that analyze the average blood sugar level over the course of three months. This was a small study but, if therapy could help the several people improve their diabetes and quality of life, it could play a major role in the fight against diabetes.

University of Southern California