The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which African
American women participate in diabetes self-management education (DSME)
and the impact of participation on self-care behaviors. Results from the Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (2007) revealed, approximately, 53.6% of
participants reported having had DSME, less than the 62.5% participation rate
suggested by Healthy People 2020. Those who received DSME were significantly
more likely to check their own blood sugar and feet regularly; to participate in
moderate physical activity; and to have received healthcare provider foot examinations,
glycosolated hemoglobin measurements, and dilated eye examinations
in the past year. These resuUs indicate the importance of DSME and the need for
health care providers to develop strategies and policies to improve participation
among this ethnic group of women. Thereby,, decreasing complications related to
Type 2 diabetes and improving the quality of life for these Women