Itzel Cornejo-García, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Tlahuelilpan, Hgo., México
Edith A. Cano-Estrada, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Tlahuelilpan, Hgo., México
Objective: To synthesize and estimate the effect of nursing-led education and self-care programs on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. The literature search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, CINAHL Complete via EBSCOhost, and Dialnet. Studies involving adults with T2DM were included if they evaluated nurse-led interventions focused on education and self-care, compared with usual care or another minimal intervention, and reported outcomes on HbA1c, BMI, or blood pressure. Results: Ten studies with 1,160 participants were analyzed. Nursing-led interventions showed reductions in HbA1c between 0.4 and 1.4%, decreases in systolic blood pressure of up to 11 mmHg, and decreases in BMI of 0.6 kg/m². In addition, there were significant improvements in treatment adherence, self-care behaviors, and self-efficacy, with increases of 15 to 25% in healthy behaviors. Conclusion: Nursing-led educational and self-care interventions are effective in improving glycemic, weight, and blood pressure control in adults with T2DM, strengthening their role in comprehensive care for chronic disease.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nursing intervention. Self-management. Therapeutic education. Glycated hemoglobin.