Group versus Individual Education for Diabetes Control in Obese Adults.

Following general practice referral to the Metabolic and Weight Loss Clinic eligible patients are invited to participate in a program of education titled 'Healthy with Diabetes'. The program is comprised of six modules, delivered over 6 weeks. Each module is delivered weekly in a one hour time slot with 35 to 40 minutes of content and 20 to 25 minutes of additional time for discussion. The modules are provided face-to-face or via Telehealth, with a focus on a motivational education content delivery. The program of delivery follows a systematic design and complete modules are completed in order in sequenced order. In the intervention group, patients participate in group based education delivery. If a week/module is missed participants are re-scheduled into the next available module session. As such, group size can vary from between 6 to 10 participants in any given session. Session attendance and module completion are monitored and recorded for each participant to ensure program completion, which is a pre-requisite for additional treatment referral pathways offered by the clinic. The Week 1 module addresses endogenous Insulin and how it works in the context of homeostasis. Week 2 is focused on the practical aspects of monitoring blood glucose levels, achieving glucose targets and how blood glucose can influence appetite, mood and body function. Week 3 unpacks causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus, body changes associated with this condition and global changes that impact on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Week 4 content relates to changes in diabetes as people get older, the need for additional care in periods of illness and self-management using the 'Annual Cycle of Care' checklist and 'Sick Day Management' strategies developed by Diabetes Australia. Week 5 focuses on the impact reducing Insulin resistance can have on health and well-being and Week 6 addresses being medication wise including reading medication labels, understanding medications taken for diabetes, medication side effects and how these medications influence weight.