Date Available

5-13-2015

Year of Publication

2015

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Sharon Lock

Clinical Mentor

Dr. Lynne Jensen

Committee Member

Rebecca Cole

Abstract

Diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States, with approximately 1.7 million new cases diagnosed yearly. A management option to help patients gain glycemic control is the participation in diabetes self-management education (DSME). DSME aims to teach patients how and why they need to perform self-care, and not solely rely on medications to manage diabetes. A literature review of 10 studies between 2007 and 2014 was conducted and found favorable health outcomes for participants of DSME. Patients who participated in DSME had improved glycemic control, achieved blood pressure and cholesterol goals, and lost weight. An analysis of the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (2014) was carried out and also found that DSME is an integral component of the prescribed management plan. It should be presented to patients at the time of diagnosis and participation should be an ongoing expectancy of the patient. DSME is an underutilized diabetes management tool. A retrospective chart review found that primary care providers use the A1c level to determine if patients should be referred for DSME, this practice does not follow the guideline recommendations. This data led to conclude primary care providers should utilize diabetes educators and/or DSME community resources to develop specific, patient centered management plans to improve health outcomes of persons with diabetes.

Share

COinS