Cluster Randomized Trial of Diabetes Group Visits in Community Health Centers across the Midwest.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes group visits (GVs) have not been rigorously evaluated in community health centers.

METHODS

This cluster randomized controlled study recruited adults with diabetes mellitus with glycosylated hemoglobin, A1C greater than or equal to eight percent: 75 intervention and 120 usual care. Group visit patients completed a six-month program. Primary outcome was A1C change from baseline to 12 months.

RESULTS

Participants improved their A1C by 0.38%-0.40% with no difference across arms (p=.63). Group visit patients improved their diabetes social support, knowledge, and distress and were more likely to receive guideline-based care compared with control. Group visit patients with anxiety or depression were more likely to have a visit with behavioral health compared with usual care (p=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Community health center patients with diabetes had improvements in glucose control across arms. Group visits improved the receipt of mental health care and guideline-based care.