We evaluated the sustained effect of a two-week hospitalized educational program for diabetes with a clinical path that was performed in our hospital from 2008. The HbA1c levels of patients who received the educational program were remarkably reduced in comparison to the levels just before receiving it and a significant reduction was seen by 12 months later, suggesting that the program has continuous effects. However, the mean of HbA1c levels 12 months after entered the range requiring moderation. To acquire a more durable effect, we examined factors that influence the blood sugar control levels at 12 months later. In the group with a good control, the ratio of patients who had diabetes diagnoses within the last ten years or received no medication was higher. This result indicates the importance of early education. In comparison with the good control group, the patients who belonged to the poor control group at 12 months later had already got significantly higher HbA1c levels by 3 months later. And the rise of HbA1c levels in the poor control group accelerated over time. Therefore, the early intervention and regularly approach to patients after the educational program would contribute to improving the educational efficacy. In the present study, it was revealed that appropriate education intervention for diabetic patients at an early stage brought a good curative effect.
