title: Developing a new generation of ongoing: Diabetes self-management support interventions: a preliminary report.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: Tricia S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: Mary Lou
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Gillard
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: Martha M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Funnell
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nwankwo
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: Ebony
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Spurlock
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, and Michigan 
   Research and Training Center
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: 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