Peer support for self-management of diabetes improved outcomes in international settings.

ABSTRACT: Self-management of diabetes is essential to reducing the risks of associated disabilities. But effective self-management is often short-lived. Peers can provide the kind of ongoing support that is needed for sustained self-management of diabetes. In this context, peers are nonprofessionals who have diabetes or close familiarity with its management. Key functions of effective peer support include assistance in daily management, social and emotional support, linkage to clinical care, and ongoing availability of support. Using these four functions as a template of peer support, project teams in Cameroon, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda developed and then evaluated peer support interventions for adults with diabetes. Our initial assessment found improvements in symptom management, diet, blo

SUBMITTER: Fisher EB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4128379 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature