Diabetes studies point to value of peer support in controlling the disease and increase in hospitalizations

If you have diabetes, it may help to buddy up, a new study suggests. Peer support may help control the disease that accounts for an increasing number of hospitalizations.

The study published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine paired up diabetic patients who had high blood sugar levels despite being on a treatment path. The six-month study found that participants benefited from meeting with a peer or peers in a group setting who reminded them to take medications, follow a diet and continue other lifestyle changes that are critical to controlling diabetes.

For a look at why this matters, check out the Orlando Sentinel’s blog Vital Signs. A new post reports on the toll diabetes takes on healthcare in “Study shows sharp increase in hospitalizations from diabetes.”

--Mary Forgione / Los Angeles Times