Do Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Programs Merit more Consideration in the Indian Setting?

Abstract

Many individuals in India are nowadays either being diagnosed early with type 2 diabetes or lack optimal control of their diabetes. Reducing the burden and impact of diabetes mellitus in India is a major priority among the healthcare system. Diabetes educators, through DPP models, have shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes among pre-diabetics through lifestyle changes. Among diabetics, DSME is seen as an essential intervention and as a cornerstone of diabetes care. Short-lived benefits and presence of barriers & challenges limit the inclusion of sufficient numbers of health educators or trained individuals in resource limited Indian settings to educate high risk individuals and improve self-management behaviors.