Effectiveness of Colour-Coded Diabetes Monitoring Chart on Glycemic Control Among Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: A Community Trial in Rural South India

Imaad Mohammed Ismail; Poonam R Naik

doi:10.55489/njcm.160620255213

Authors

Imaad Mohammed Ismail Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7617-8003
Poonam R Naik Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160620255213

Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Control, Glycemic Control, Community Trial, interventions, Colour Chart, diabetes knowledge, Self-Care Practices

Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled diabetes remains a major challenge, especially in developing countries, necessitating low-cost interventions. The objectives of this study were to assess, among adults with diabetes mellitus, (1) the effectiveness of colour-coded diabetes monitoring chart on glycemic control, (2) the change in knowledge and practice related to the control of diabetes, and (3) the perceptions regarding the use of the chart.

Methodology: This community trial was conducted from Oct 2021 to Dec 2024 in Jokatte (Intervention site) and Madani Nagar (Control site) rural areas of Mangalore, India. A total of 180 adults with diabetes (90 per site) were recruited. The intervention arm was given the colour-coded diabetes chart designed by the authors to be used for one year. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Ver27.

Results: The intervention led to a 0.58% reduction in HbA1c after adjusting for covariates. Additionally, there were significant improvements in knowledge and practices related to diabetes management. The participants had favourable perceptions of the chart, with most desiring to continue using it.

Conclusion: The colour-coded diabetes chart significantly improved glycemic control and enhanced diabetes-related knowledge and practices. This low-cost chart can be utilized in both government settings such as PHCs as well as private clinics.

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