Optimizing Blood Glucose Control and Compliance in Athletes with Type 2 Diabetes Through Graded Health Education and Integrated Sports Medicine Team Management

Abstract

 Objective: To assess the impact of graded health education and a comprehensive sports medicine team management approach on blood glucose control and adherence among athletes with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This study involved one hundred athletes with T2DM from a designated sports community, observed from September 2020 to September 2021. Participants were randomly divided into a control group (n=50), which received standard care, and an observation group (n=50), which received hierarchical health education combined with a sports medicine team management intervention. The effectiveness of these approaches was measured by changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and two-hour postprandial glucose (PBG), as well as compliance with diabetes management protocols (self-monitoring blood glucose, medication adherence, exercise routines, and diet adherence). Additionally, the quality of life and satisfaction with the intervention were evaluated using the Diabetic Specific Quality of Life Scale (DSQL). Results: Post-intervention, significant reductions were observed in HbA1c, FBG, and PBG in both groups. However, reductions were more pronounced in the observation group (P<0.05). Compliance rates for blood glucose monitoring, medication intake, exercise, and diet were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Quality of life improvements and satisfaction with the treatment were also significantly better in the observation group, with satisfaction rates reaching 92.0% compared to 74.0% in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Graded health education coupled with integrated sports medicine team management can effectively enhance blood glucose control, compliance with management protocols, and overall quality of life in athletes with T2DM. This approach also results in higher satisfaction levels, indicating its potential as a valuable strategy in the ongoing care and performance optimization for athletic populations with chronic conditions.