D6 shows scant effect in diabetes care

D6 training for nurses treating patients with type 2 diabetes showed little effect in improving glycaemic control

Sub-optimal glycaemic control is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, often associated with psychological factors such as depression. This randomised controlled trial investigated whether practice nurses specifically trained in psychological skills, motivational interviewing and basic cognitive behaviour therapy (known as the D6 intervention) could integrate this with diabetes care and improve glycaemic control.

Twenty-four inner city practices were randomised to provide usual care or usual care plus the D6 intervention to 334 patients recruited for the study. All patients were invited for 12 usual care or usual care plus D6 appointments over 12 months. The mean number of appointments attended was seven for the usual care group and eight for the intervention group.

Hard to engage with patients

At an 18-month