A study published in the 'Archives of Internal Medicine' highlights a correlation between regulation of high blood sugar level and peer support. People suffering from diabetes when paired with their peers on a weekly basis during course of support sessions showcased better health condition. The study consisted of 244 participants, out which maximum were male members. Each person was associated with another diabetic patient in order to gauge the implication of giving and receiving support from someone going through similar medical circumstances in life.
After 6 months, medical evaluations demonstrated a drop in the A1c levels of men enrolled in this support program from 8.02 to 7.73 percent. This decrease was found to be 0.58 percent lower in contrast to those diabetic patients who were placed under the supervision of a nurse. This decrease was certainly significant in the perception of medical experts at the University of Michigan Medical School who equalized the results to the addition of a new oral anti-hyperglycemic drug for treatment of diabetes. Apart from this promising result, it was heartening to note that 8 members from the peer support group commenced insulin trials, suggesting a positive influence of peers over matters pertaining to administration of proper medication.
The decrease in the level of blood pressure was found to be similar in patients in the peer support group and those in the care of a nurse.
However, a detailed study may be required to authenticate these findings as this particular study only involved men and the results were traced for just about 6 months. Moreover, considering the fact that approximately 1000 men refused to participate in this study, many question the workability of such support groups in actual life.
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