Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education in Community Health

BackgroundDiabetes self-management education (DSME) programs utilize a multidisciplinary, skills-based approach allowing participants to make self-management choices and follow a comprehensive plan of care, improving their glycemic control.ObjectiveThe purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of DSME on the reduction of hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) in overweight/obese community health center patients.MethodsThe free program met 2 hours weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare baseline to post-session HgbA1c and BMI 12 weeks after completion of the program. Pre- and post-session surveys were also conducted to assess improved diabetes knowledge and confidence.ResultsMean HgbA1c decreased by 1.6% (p = .003) 12 weeks after completion of the program; however, BMI remained unchanged (p = .582). Diabetes knowledge and confidence also improved significantly following DSME (p = .000 and p = .001, respectively).ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that a reduction in HgbA1c levels and an increase in diabetes knowledge and confidence can occur in low income, community health center patients following participation in DSME.Implications for NursingCommunity health center patients who have access to free DSME can improve their health, self-efficacy, and diabetes self-management practices.