Public Health offers two types of workshops to help people manage their chronic diseases more effectively:

• Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) — for Delawareans with type 2 diabetes, and
• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) — for Delawareans with other chronic diseases

People with diabetes or other chronic conditions are invited to attend the programs at no cost. Workshops consist of from 12 to 16 participants and are facilitated from a highly detailed manual by two lay trainers, one or both of whom have diabetes or a chronic health condition.

Subjects Covered Include:

• Techniques to deal with the symptoms of chronic disease, fatigue, pain, depression, and stress (the DSMP is specifically for diabetes self-management)
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
• Healthy eating
• Appropriate use of medication
• Making action plans
• Working effectively with health care providers
• Problem solving

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 and a relaxation CD.

“The program is effective because of the way it is taught,” says Don Post, administrator of the Delaware Diabetes and Heart Disease 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 diabetes or another chronic condition and/or if you know someone who may benefit from attending a workshop. Additionally, you may consider becoming a lay trainer if you are interested in helping other people with chronic diseases improve their quality of life. If you would like to host a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program at your site or become a lay leader, please call the Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention and Control Program for more information.

• To register for a free Diabetes Self-Management Program please use our online registration at HealthyDelaware.org/selfmanagement or call 302-744-1020.

Return to Main Diabetes Program Page.