Abstract
Current projections indicate the number of people with diabetes will more than double from 2005 to 2050.1Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002 showed only 42.3% of adults had hemoglobin A1c (A1c) values < 7.0%, a reasonable goal established by the American Diabetes Association; furthermore, only 55% of those with diabetes reported receiving diabetes education.2 Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an essential component of care for all people with diabetes and is necessary to improve patient outcomes and dietary quality.3 DSME is the process of facilitating the knowledge, skills and ability necessary for diabetes self-care.4 Previous systematic reviews found DSME improved dietary intake and glycemic control, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) had the largest impact on weight loss.5–6 However, prior research found “one size fits all” interventions may limit outcome improvements,7 and there is no one “best” educational approach.8–9 Thus, DSME is necessary and effective in improving diabetes outcomes but various approaches are likely needed to meet diverse patient needs.