The Impact of Home Care on Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Discharged After Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: More than a third of diabetes patients undergo surgery at least once in their lifetime. However, there is limited research on managing the needs of these patients after hospital discharge. Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of home care on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients discharged from hospitals. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. About 69 type 2 diabetes patients undergoing surgery were assigned to intervention and control groups after discharge orders. Home care was provided for three months with an interprofessional approach. Data collection tools included diabetes-related quality of life questionnaire and laboratory tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 with parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: HbA1C levels decreased significantly in the intervention group over the three-month period (P < 0.05), whereas this decrease was not significant in the control group (P > 0.05). The mean quality of life scores improved in satisfaction and future concern domains in the intervention group and in the social concern domain in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean changes in total quality of life scores over three months post-discharge were not significant in both groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that structured home care delivered through a team-based approach contributes not only to improved glycemic control but also to enhancing specific dimensions of quality of life-particularly satisfaction with life despite diabetes and reduced concerns about the future-in post-surgical diabetic patients. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating such services into post-discharge care plans to support patient well-being and recovery.