Nursing Interventions for the Prevention of Diabetes Complications: A Systematic Review; [مداخلات پرستاری در پیشگیری از عوارض دیابت: یک مُرور سیستماتی ک] Publisher



Khalilzadeh Farsangi Z ; Yousefi M ; Lavarzaei S ; Kaviani M ; Karimi S F
Source: Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Diabetes, as a prevalent chronic disease, is associated with multiple acute and long-term complications that adversely affect patients’ health, quality of life, and daily functioning. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to serious clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and psychological distress. Nursing interventions, through individualized and group education, regular monitoring, and self-management support, play a critical role in preventing these complications and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Considering the expansion of care technologies and innovative nursing approaches, this study aimed to identify, categorize, and analyze effective nursing interventions for preventing diabetes complications. Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar for the period from 2015 to 2025 The key search terms included diabetes, nursing interventions, self-care, and patient education. Articles were selected based on inclusion criteria (empirical and quasi-experimental studies focusing on nursing interventions for the prevention of diabetes complications) and exclusion criteria (review articles, case reports, and studies without quantitative outcomes). After removing duplicates and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 31 studies met the eligibility criteria for final analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Gifford checklist, and data were extracted, coded, and categorized using inductive content analysis. Results: Identified nursing interventions were classified into six main categories: education and self-care, tele-nursing and remote care, lifestyle modification and physical activity, digital and technological management, advanced clinical and team-based management, and monitoring and care for specific diabetes-related complications. These interventions led to reductions in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG), enhanced self-efficacy and self-care skills, improved treatment adherence, reduced diabetes-related distress, and improved patients’ quality of life. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review demonstrate that nursing interventions, including education and self-care, motivational interviewing, tele-nursing, lifestyle management, digital technologies, and advanced team-based approaches, improve glycemic control, enhance self-efficacy and self-care skills, reduce diabetes-related distress, and prevent complications. These findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing systematic nursing programs to prevent diabetes complications and enhance patients’ quality of life. Copyright © 2026 Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism and Tehran University of Medical Sciences.