Introduction:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered the new epidemic of the 21st century. Its incidence and prevalence are increasing rapidly, and it is the second leading cause of death in Paraguay. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on knowledge, healthy lifestyle practices, and metabolic control among patients in the T2DM Program of the Department of Concepción.

Methodology:

Experimental, single-blind study conducted in 2023. Simple random sampling was applied, including 158 patients in the intervention group and 320 in the control group. Sample size was calculated using Epidat 3.1. Data were collected in community health services through interviews at two time points (pre- and post-intervention). Two validated questionnaires were applied: Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire-24 to assess knowledge, and IMEVID to evaluate healthy lifestyle practices. The intervention group participated in a 3-month educational program.

Results:

A total of 480 patients participated, mean age 60.7 ±1 years; women represented 76.9 % in the control group and 75.3 % in the intervention group. After three months, significant improvements were observed in knowledge, lifestyle, metabolic control, and treatment adherence in the intervention group compared with the control group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion:

The educational intervention significantly improved knowledge, adoption of healthy lifestyles, metabolic control, and treatment adherence in patients with T2DM.