The Diabetes Self-Management workshop is given 2½ hours once a week for six weeks, in community settings such as churches, community centers, libraries, and hospitals.

People with type 2 diabetes or family members attend the workshop in groups of 12 to 16. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders who utilize a highly detailed manual. One or both of these peer leaders has diabetes themselves.

Subjects covered include:

• Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration;
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance;
• Healthy eating
• Appropriate use of medication
• Working more effectively with health care providers. Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program. 

• Increase in healthy behaviors (i.e., exercise and cognitive symptom management techniques, such as relaxation)
• Positive changes in health status (less pain, fatigue, and worry; less health distress)
• Increased self-efficacy:
  • Better communications with health providers
  • Fewer visits to physicians and emergency rooms.

To sign-up for the Diabetes Self-Management Program, contact Diane Wesley at 404-613-4238.