Insights From the National Diabetes Education Program National Diabetes Survey: Opportunities for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

Abstract

IN BRIEF Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) provides the foundation to help people with diabetes (PWD) navigate the numerous self-management decisions and complex care activities they face daily and has been shown to improve outcomes. Without DSMES, PWD often lack the skills and knowledge necessary to handle the demands of managing this chronic disease. Understanding self-management behaviors and responses to DSMES is essential for improving DSMES processes and diabetes outcomes. This article provides the most recent findings from questions regarding self-management behaviors and DSMES practices obtained through the National Diabetes Education Program National Diabetes Survey. Insights and gaps in self-management behaviors and DSMES delivery are examined to identify challenges and offer opportunities for improvement.

FIGURE 1.

PWD confidence with key diabetes management activities. Over half of PWD were not totally confident with key diabetes management activities. Solid black = not at all confident (scale left end point value); dots = scale mid-range values; and vertical lines = totally confident (scale right end point value). Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

FIGURE 2.

PWD distress related to managing diabetes. Most PWD reported some distress with managing their diabetes. Solid black = serious distress (scale left end point value); dots = scale mid-range values; and vertical lines = no distress (scale right end point value). Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

FIGURE 3.

PWD who regularly or occasionally engaged in activities to manage their diabetes. Most reported engaging in self-management activities in the 6 months prior to the survey. Vertical lines = activities to prevent weight gain and lose weight, and dietary planning; dots = engagement in physical activity; and solid black = use of medication.

FIGURE 4.

Use of self-management tools for diabetes by PWD in the 4 weeks prior to taking the survey. Solid black = traditional, paper-based tools, and dots = technology-based resources and support groups.