diabetes self-management education programme

Diabetes self-management education programmes give people with type 2 diabetes the skills and knowledge to self-manage their condition to live healthy active lives.

DIABETES: YOUR LIFE, YOUR JOURNEY

The Diabetes: Your Life, Your Journey Diabetes Self-Management Education (DYLYJ) programme is for anyone with Type 2 diabetes. It is a 6-week modular course, with a single 2-hour session per week.

SO, WHAT IS DIABETES: YOUR LIFE, YOUR JOURNEY?

  • A way to learn more about Type 2 diabetes.

  • A resource to help manage diabetes-related changes.

  • A resource to assist in making clear and achievable goals.

  • A way to meet and share life experiences with others.

  • A group education programme designed for people with Type 2 diabetes.

 
 

'I've been reading Google and watching YouTube videos. This class is easier to understand and makes sense.' - 62-year-old male, Māori-Pakeha builder

'I'm not going to give my diabetes to my moko. Now I know how.' - 52-year-old, Week 6 Reflections and Learnings

WHY DYLYJ?

This programme differs from other programmes in that it encourages goal setting from week one right through to week six. Each week the participants are encouraged at the beginning to share their progress and celebrate their achievements.

It is co-facilitated by a Diabetes Community Coordinator that identifies with the community group. A Dietitian and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Diabetes/ Practice Nurse or Pharmacist will be part of the facilitation of specific modules. Training will be provided free by Diabetes NZ.

SUPPORT AFTER DYLYJ

Research tells us that the immediate effects from attending a self-management programme are limited beyond 9 months. To mitigate this and continue to support course participants, Diabetes NZ local teams will become the self-management support mechanism to offer ongoing support for participants following course attendance.

"My whānau are listening to me when I get home after class. My brother and his wife want to do the next one." 38-year-old Māori mum

ADVANTAGES OF OUR NEW ZEALAND EVIDENCE-BASED DYLYJ PROGRAMME

  • Researched with Māori, Pacific, Indian (with interpreter) and other ethnic groups

  • Co-facilitated with a Diabetes Community Coordinator as self-management support

  • Māori groups facilitated by Māori Diabetes Community Coordinator where possible

  • Pacific groups facilitated by Pacific Diabetes Community Coordinator where possible

  • Hands-on visual resources

  • Great for health literacy

  • Participants bring in their own lab results to learn about diabetes control in their personal context

  • SMART goal setting forms a key part of each session

  • Participants are encouraged to buddy each other throughout the six-week programme. They are keen to keep supporting one another.

  • Some self-management programmes expect 50% of participants to drop out of the programme before the end. Our programme has had very few people ever pull out.

  • Participants enjoy the programme as it is fun, interactive and engaging. Feedback indicates that they learn a lot.

FIND OUT MORE

email: lizd@diabetes.org.nz | phone: 027 214 4436