Storytelling videos on how other people control their diabetes are linked to a “modest improvement” in blood sugar control after three months in adults with Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers.
The study included 451 Hispanic adults. Participants watched four 12-minute Spanish-language videos promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, glucose self-monitoring, and medication compliance. The videos showcased people with diabetes who had embraced healthy lifestyles.
Hispanic adults with Type 2 diabetes have higher mortality rates from the disease than other U.S. residents. Additionally, Hispanic adults in the United States are 1.6 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have Type 2 diabetes, according to the research.
“To our knowledge, this is the first digital storytelling intervention reported for T2D (Type 2 diabetes) management,” the authors wrote. “This is a highly scalable intervention that may be integrated into clinical and public health practice as part of a longitudinal diabetes self-management program.”
Previous Studies Focused on Other Populations
Of the 227 female and 224 male participants in Arizona and Minnesota, 390 completed a three-month follow-up.
The subjects were selected due to their poorly controlled diabetes. The mean age of the participants was about 54 years.
The study authors said previous research showed improved outcomes mainly within a white population, but adaptation of methods when interventions were applied to Hispanic populations was not considered.
The primary outcome was measured by a standard hemoglobin test, which reveals the average blood sugar level for the past two or three months.
Other tests included blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI). Participants were also evaluated on their self-management of diabetes and related behaviors.
The authors observed a slight improvement across all metrics in those who watched videos promoting better type 2 diabetes management, although only the improvement in blood sugar levels was significant.
Videos Inspired Confidence in Diabetes Management
“Participants in the intervention group reported more confidence and motivation to manage their [Type 2 diabetes] as a result of receiving the intervention, but this did not translate to statistically significant improvements of behaviors,” the authors wrote.
An earlier study in Australia involving about 600 people with type 2 diabetes found that their confidence and habits improved after four weeks.
The researchers acknowledged that this study was limited because of its short-term follow-up on a long-term disease. However, they concluded that it resulted in a “potentially modest improvement in glycemic control.”
They wrote that their intervention regimen could “be integrated into clinical and public health practice as part of a longitudinal self-management program for Hispanic adults with [Type 2 diabetes].”