Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs: Current Scenario and Relevance in India

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an important public health problem in India. With a prevalence of 8.6%, more than 66 million people are suffering from diabetes mellitus in our country. Many comorbid conditions and complications are associated with diabetes. Self-care in diabetes is a key element in the overall management of diabetes. Diabetes self-care is defined as the daily regimen tasks that the individual performs to manage diabetes. Poor self-care practices among diabetic patients are largely due to lack of information and support, and can result in poor control of the disease and its complications. In many countries, diabetes self-management education programs are integrated with diabetes care. In the present article, studies examining the effectiveness of self-care management education programs in various countries have been reviewed. The current scenario in India is discussed, as well as the challenges in integrating such programs. It has been concluded that such interventions should be culturally relevant, and should be provided in a continuous, ongoing manner, so that the results in terms of metabolic control and positive behaviors are sustainable.