Gender difference in glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a traffic signal color-coded approach

Aim: To determine the positive impact of a traffic signal color-coded educational tool to improve HbA1c control and to see whether any gender difference exists among patients. Methods: A total of 700 (385:315) T2DM patients aged between 25 – 65 years with T2DM in South India, attending the Out-Patient Department of a tertiary care centre were screened between January 2016 – January 2017 and followed intensively. Patients with HbA1c of ≤ 8.9%, T1DM, GDM, and patients not willing to give consent were excluded. In the follow up period of 4-5 months from baseline, 140 patients were lost to follow up. Patients were grouped into Group 1 (n=200) and Group 2 (n=360). In Group 1 (Control group), detailed history was recorded and routine counseling was given. While, in Group 2 (Study group), additional education and counseling was given using a color-coded HbA1c thermometer as a motivation tool based on color towards reaching the Target 7% goal. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The mean age of patients in Group 1 was (Men, 55 ± 11 years; Women, 56 ± 9.7 years) and in Group 2 (Men, 54 ± 10.22 years; Women, 55 ± 11.52 years). Group 1 showed no significant difference among gender in HbA1c, whereas Group 2 showed a higher significant difference in HbA1c values in Men (P = 0.003) as compared to Women (P = 0.008); thereby indicating better glycemic control among Men. Although a percentage decrease was observed in blood sugar levels, serum Creatinine, eGFR, Total Cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values in both groups, statistical significant difference was observed in HbA1c only. Conclusions: The study highlights the positive impact of the HbA1c thermometer as an educational tool among the people with Type 2 Diabetes, to achieve the Target 7% goal.