6 Jan 2025 • A randomized clinical trial conducted across 14 community health centers in China has shed light on the potential benefits of couple-based interventions for managing type 2 diabetes in older adults.

The study involved 207 pairs of adult participants aged 55 years or older, divided into two arms: a couple-based intervention arm and an individual-based arm. Both groups underwent a structured program comprising four weekly group education sessions, followed by telephone calls over a two-month period to reinforce behavior change in either couples or individuals. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6 and 12 months after the intervention to evaluate outcomes.

Key Findings

• In both the intervention arms there was decrease in HbA1c levels but no overall significant difference between couple-based and individual-based approach
• However, among patients with a high baseline HbA1c (≥8.0%), the couple-based approach was more effective, showing significant reductions in HbA1c over the 12-month period
• For those with lower baseline HbA1c (<8.0%), reduction was less pronounced and no significant difference were noted between the two interventions.

The findings suggest that couple-based interventions may be particularly beneficial for patients with poorly controlled diabetes, offering an enhanced support system to initiative behavior change.