Delaware Diabetes Self-Management Program
The Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) is a workshop for Delawareans with type 2 diabetes. The workshops are presented for 2½ hours once a week for six weeks, in settings such as churches, senior and CHEER centers, community centers, libraries and hospitals.
People with type 2 diabetes are invited to attend the program, with class sizes of about 12-16. Workshops are facilitated from a highly detailed manual by two lay trainers, one or both of whom are peer leaders who have diabetes.
Subjects covered include:
- techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper- or hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration;
- appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance;
- healthy eating;
- appropriate use of medication; and
- working more effectively with health care providers.
Participants make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program. Physicians and other health professionals at Stanford University and in Delaware have reviewed all materials in the course.
Each participant in the workshop receives a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, an audio relaxation tape, and an audio exercise tape.
"The program is effective because of the way it is taught," says Don Post, administrator of the Delaware Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. "Classes are highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives."
Does the program replace existing programs and treatments?
The program does not conflict with existing programs or treatment. In fact, the classes enhance those provided through accredited programs often provided in hospital settings. Treatment is not altered. For medical questions, participants are referred to their physicians. If the content of the course conflicts with instructions they receive elsewhere, they are advised to follow their physicians' orders and discuss discrepancies with the doctor.
How do I participate in the program?
Please contact us if you have type 2 diabetes and/or know someone who may benefit from attending a DSMP workshop, or who would like to become a lay trainer. Becoming a lay trainer can be very rewarding, by helping people living with diabetes learn how to manage their disease and contribute towards improving their quality of life. Please call the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program for more information about this important program.
