Diabetes Self-Management: Exercise and Nutrition The Diabetes Association reports that it has been "…well documented that the average person who goes through a diabetes educational program reduces A1C levels by 1 and a half percentage points." (2011) In fact, the average individual who goes through the program is able to reduce their A1C levels "by 2 points." (Diabetes Association, 2011)

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the effectiveness of the Diabetes Self-Management for the individual with a focus on exercise and nutrition.

The research study proposed herein has as its primary objective and aim to conduct a research study on a sampling of individuals with diabetes in order to examine the effectiveness of the Diabetes Self-Management initiative with a focus on exercise and nutrition.

Methodology

The proposed methodology for the research study proposed is one of a qualitative nature that will firstly conduct a review of literature on this area of study and that will secondly conduct interviews among patients with diabetes following an educational course on self-management of diabetes through focusing on nutrition and exercise.

Initial Review of Literature

The Diabetes Association Self-Management Education Program involves three steps as follows:

(1) Step one is a one-hour visit with the nurse or dietician diabetes...

This visit involves the conduction of a full assessment of the patients' needs and begins the educational process.
(2) Step two is a full day class and described as a "comprehensive seven-hour course covering the basics of diabetes care and the prevention of complications. " (Diabetes Management Association, 2011) Included are general nutrition guidelines, carbohydrate counting, label reading, and tips for dining out.

(3) The third step is a second one-hour visit with the registered dietician who assists in helping the individual make adjustments to their individualized meal plan. (Diabetes Management Association, 2011)

The work of Christensen, Steiner, and Whalen (2000 ) entitled "Contribution of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Self-Management Education to Control Diabetes Control as Assessed by Hemoglobin A1c" reports that diabetes "is characterized by insulin insufficiency, lack of insulin production, and/or resistance to insulin. Lack of glycemic control leads to hyperglycemia and is associated with a variety of serious complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease."

Affecting diabetes self-management are factors of "personal motivation, social support, continuity of care, and understanding of meals." (Christensen, Steiner, and Whalen, 2000) Also affecting self-management of diabetes are factors such…