Evaluating the effectiveness of an empowerment program for self-care in type 2 diabetes: a cluster randomized trial.

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing substantially worldwide, leading to serious economic effects, complications and deaths. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an empowerment program providing support for psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical aspects of diabetes to help Brazilian users of public health services obtain metabolic control of this condition.

Methods: In this cluster randomized trial, participants aged 30-80 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were recruited from ten Brazilian public health units in 2014 and 2015.