Outcomes of the Diabetes Self-Management Program offered in South Florida through the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative

As of 2011, diabetes affects 26.9% (10.9 million) of adults, aged 65 and over, in the United States. South Florida is home to over 650,000 people aged 65 and older. Due to the number of older adults in the region, and national rate of diabetes among this age group, the Health Foundation of South Florida decided to offer a diabetes-specific self-management program as part of its Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative. Participants were recruited by eight community agencies to attend the 6-week course. A total of 73 workshops were delivered at 52 sites throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Workshops were delivered 2 ½ hours each week, for six weeks. Surveys were administered prior to instruction and at the end of the last session. Data was analyzed using the general linear model, controlling for demographic variables, general health, and site effects with SPSS v.18. A total of 865 participants enrolled and 573 completed last session surveys, resulting in a completion rate of 66.2%. All participant outcomes (self-efficacy to manage symptoms, self-efficacy to communicate with a physician, self-efficacy to manage emotion, self-efficacy to use learned techniques, social role / activity limitations, and time spent stretching and performing aerobic activity) showed significant improvements at week six (p<.001). DSMP is effective in improving self-efficacy regarding daily management of diabetes for older adults in South Florida. Proper self-management of diabetes results in an improved quality of life, reduced health care costs, and a reduced burden on the health care system.