Diabetes self-management programmes

Key points about diabetes self-management programmes

  • If you've been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, one of the best things you can do is attend a diabetes self-management programme. 
  • It can help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to stay well and reduce your risk of complications.
  • Living with diabetes can be confusing. There is a lot to learn and staying well may mean you need to make some major lifestyle changes.
  • Group programmes are held throughout the country. These are often available in evenings and weekends to make it easier for people who are working to attend.
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Type 1 diabetes

Diabetes self-management programmes

Organisations

Multiple organisations offer these programmes, including primary health organisations (PHOs), district health boards (DHBs) and community organisations such as Diabetes NZ(external link) and Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa(external link).

Who is this for?

People with type 1 diabetes and their families/whānau.

Contact details

Ask your GP what is available in your area or you can contact the organisations directly.

Specific type 1 diabetes courses

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Midcentral

The Manawatu Horowhenua Tararua Diabetes Trust(external link) provides diabetes self-management education classes for the Palmerston North region. 

Phone 06 357 5992 or use their contact email address(external link).
(external link)

Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes self-management programmes

Organisations

Multiple including primary health organisations (PHOs), district health boards (DHBs) and community organisations such as Diabetes NZ(external link) and Diabetes Foundation(external link).

Who is this for?

People with type 2 diabetes and their families/whānau.

Contact details

Ask your GP what is available in your area or you can contact the organisations directly.

Regions

Auckland – Central

  • Auckland PHO(external link) provides free diabetes self-management “Living well with Diabetes” workshops in Central Auckland. View our upcoming schedule, join a workshop or refer a patient here(external link). We run sessions face-to-face and online over zoom. Phone 09 379 4022 or email saphiya@aucklandpho.co.nz.

Auckland – North and West 

  • Comprehensive Care(external link) provides free diabetes self-management education classes in Albany, Orewa, Stanmore Bay, Ranui, Henderson and Birkdale. contact them by phone 09 448 0019 or email at DSME@comprehensivecare.co.nz.

Auckland – South and East

  • Most areas are covered – check with your GP to see what's near you.
  • East Health(external link) has a range of programmes including diabetes, weight management and more. Contact them at info@easthealth.co.nz.
  • ProCare Health(external link) has programmes at no cost to the GP practice, patient or carer. Contact the self-management team on email at life@procare.co.nz, phone 09 354 7770, or call or text 027 535 8250. 

Auckland-wide

  • ProCare Health(external link) has a range of self-management programmes running across wider Auckland and anyone is welcome. Contact the self-management team on email at life@procare.co.nz, phone 09 354 7770, or call or text 027 339 5740.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Nelson/Marlborough

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora MidCentral

The Diabetes Trust(external link) provide diabetes self-management education classes for the Palmerston North region. Phone 06 357 5992 or use their contact email address(external link).

Tauranga South, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Pāpāmoa, Katikati, and via Zoom

Self-management Group Sessions(external link) Western Bay Of Plenty PHO

Type 1 diabetes | Mate huka kai rongoā taiaki
Diabetes topics

Diabetes self management education (DSME) can be delivered in many forms. Group-based DSME is widespread, cheaper and has the added advantages of people meeting others with diabetes.

Systematic review with meta-analysis

This study compared group-based DSME to routine treatment. RCT studies, up to Jan 2008, adults, type 2 diabetes (intervention had at least one session and =/>6 months follow-up.)

Results: In total 21 studies (26 publications, 2833 participants) were included. Participants: 40% male, baseline age 60, BMI 31.6, HbA1c 8.23%, diabetes 8 years and 82% used medication.

Outcomes

  • HbA1c was significantly reduced at 6, 12 months (0.46% points; P = 0.001, 11 studies, 1503 participants) and 2 years.
  • Fasting blood glucose levels also significantly reduced at 12 months (1.26 mmol/L; P<0.00001, 5 studies, 690 participants) but not at 6 months.
  • Diabetes knowledge was improved significantly at 6, 12 months and 2 years and self-management skills also improved significantly at 6 months.
  • For the main psychosocial outcomes, there were significant improvement for empowerment/self-efficacy after 6 months.
  • For quality of life, no conclusion could be drawn due to high heterogeneity.
  • Significant improvements in patient satisfaction and body weight at 12 months for the intervention group.
  • No differences between the groups in mortality rate, body mass index, blood pressure and lipid profile. 

Conclusions

Group-based DSME in people with type 2 diabetes results in improvements in clinical, lifestyle and psychosocial outcomes.  

Reference

  1. Steinsbekk A, et al. Group-based diabetes self-management education compared to routine treatment for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A systematic review with meta-analysis(external link) BMC Health Services Research 2012 12:213.

Links

Auckland PHO run self-management courses(external link)
Living well with type 2 diabetes(external link) Marlborough Primary Health
Diabetes self-management(external link) East Health Trust
Diabetes self-management(external link) Hearts & Minds, Auckland
Self-management Group Sessions(external link) Western Bay Of Plenty PHO

Apps

Diabetes apps
Self-management and healthy living apps

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Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

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