Intensive education intervention using network of involved diabetes patients to improve glycaemic control of type 2 diabetes patients in Delta State Nigeria: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial v1

Background: There is lack of structured self-management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) available in Nigeria. Therefore, we sought to determine if T2D patients receiving additional intensive lifestyle education intervention within a network of T2D patients compared to those receiving the usual secondary healthcare education at 12 months will have better glycaemic control. Methods: This open-label, parallel, two-arm randomised control trial will enrol 180 individuals (90 per group) to either usual healthcare education or complementary intensive peer education using network of T2D patients at baseline and followed to 12 months. Individuals between 18-60 years of age with T2D and are willing to undergo the process of peer education are eligible. Our primary outcome is the absolute change in mean HbA1c from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes will include change in weight, CVD risk profile, social support, stress level, and quality of life. Discussion: There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of peer education in the management of T2D within the low-income setting such as Nigeria. Therefore, this trial will contribute to the evidence on effectiveness of patient-led intensive peer education in diabetes self-management for T2D patients. Trial registration: PACTR201811637528789 (7/11/2018)