Developing a new generation of ongoing: Diabetes self-management support interventions: a preliminary report.
The study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of an innovative, community-based, ongoing self-management intervention aimed at enhancing and sustaining self-care behaviors over the long term among urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes.



Sixty-two African American men and women completed the study. Participants were invited to attend 24 weekly, consecutive, diabetes self-management support/ education groups. The flow of the weekly group sessions was guided by questions and concerns of the patients. Baseline and 6-month follow-up metabolic functioning, lipid profiles, cardiovascular functioning, and self-care behaviors were assessed.



Ninety percent (n = 56) of the sample attended at least 1 session; 40% attended at least 12 or more sessions. Paired t tests found significant improvements in body mass index (P < .001), total cholesterol (P < .01), high-density lipoprotein (P < .05), and low-density lipoprotein (P < .001). Significant increases were also found for self-care behaviors (P < .05).



Preliminary evidence suggests that participation in this weekly problem-based, self-management support intervention can yield diabetes-related health benefits.
Tang
Tricia S
TS
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
Gillard
Mary Lou
ML
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
Funnell
Martha M
MM
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
Nwankwo
Robin
R
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
Parker
Ebony
E
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
Spurlock
David
D
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
Anderson
Robert M
RM
The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
 Research and Training Center
D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D001741:Black or African American