Diabetes Self-Management (DSMP)

Workshops are highly participatory. Mutual support and success build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Each participant is guided to tailor the workshop content to their own needs.

Formats

Small group workshop offered either face-to-face or virtually
- 2 1/2 hours per session
- 1 session per week for 6 weeks
Mailed Tool Kit of materials with or without 6 weekly scripted 45-60-minute small group (3-5 people) phone calls

Participants

People with type 2 diabetes

12-16 participants per face-to-face workshop
8-12 participants per virtual workshop
3-5 participants per Tool Kit with scripted phone calls workshop

Workshop Leaders

2 trained Leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with diabetes themselves, for both in person and virtual workshops
1 trained Leader for Tool Kit with small group phone calls workshops
Must be trained by SMRC-certified Master Trainers

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Program replace existing programs and treatments?

The program does not conflict with existing programs or treatment. Treatment is not altered. For all medical questions, participants are referred to their physicians or diabetes educators.

How were the programs developed?

The programs were developed based on focus groups with potential participants, reviewing professional organizational standards for diabetes patient education programs, and inputs from diabetes health professionals. We combined these inputs with processes to increase self-efficacy and to allow participants to self-tailor the workshops to their own needs. In addition, many methods from cognitive behavioral therapy are included.

How can my facility offer the Program?

All agencies must have at a minimum:

License to offer SMRC programs
At least two Leaders trained to offer DSMP or the Programa del manejo personal de la diabetes (Spanish DSMP)
A copy of the book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions or Tomando control de su salud for each participant

Workshop Topics

Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, such as fatigue, pain, hyper- and hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration.

Physicians, diabetes educators, dietitians, and other health professionals have reviewed all workshop materials. Each year the content is reviewed and updated to meet current American Diabetes Association’s standards.

Topics include:

Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
How to use glucose monitoring in order to make day to day decisions and to manage sick days
Healthy eating
Appropriate use of medication
Working more effectively with health care providers
Recommended tests for prevention or delay of complications
Proper foot care
Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making

Participant Materials

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions book
For Tool Kit option, participants need the complete Tool Kit for Active Living with Diabetes. This includes a book, exercise CD, self-test, and tip sheets, along with a Diabetes Plate refrigerator magnet

Language Options

Programa del manejo personal de la diabetes (Spanish)
Spanish Tool Kits are available
DSMP Leader’s Manual translations available: Chinese, Korean

For articles about the diabetes programs see the bibliography

The DSMP program is approved for Title IIID funding under the Older American’s Act.
The DSMP program has been approved as part of recognized Diabetes Education Programs by the American Diabetes Association and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
The SMRC DSMP has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a Diabetes Support Program. Licensed programs can use the ADA logo on their publicity.