Objective. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the reciprocal group teaching method in the School of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Materials and methods. To assess changes in metabolic and psychological parameters using the reciprocal group learning method at the School of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 56 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) for training in a structured program of behavioral change associated with diabetes, which were further divided into 7 subgroups of 8-10 people each. Before the start of training participants were selected based on the following factors: the presence of motivation to modify the lifestyle with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the absence of cognitive impairments (26 or more points on the MoCA scale [1]). The second group (comparison group) included 48 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who further did not express a desire to undergo training

Results. At the end of the six-month study in group 1 (main) positive changes in anthropometric parameters (weight, waist circumference, body mass ratio),

a decrease in glycated hemoglobin compared to the beginning of the study were revealed. In group 1 there was  a decrease in the average value of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol compared with the beginning of the study and in comparison with the 2nd group. The average value of HDL cholesterol in patients of the 1st group increased, and in patients of the second group it decreased. Decrease in anxiety and depressive reactions also was fixed, and the quality of life improved.

Conclusion. The method of reciprocal group training at the School of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has demonstrated high efficiency in modifying the lifestyle of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is reflected in anthropometric, metabolic and psychosocial parameters.