Beyond expectations: the effectiveness of a theory driven intervention to achieve and sustain optimal self-management in patients with type-2 diabetes

There is a call for effective interventions which can support patients with
type-2 diabetes in improving their self-management. The present study builds
forth on the success of a previous theory driven intervention proven effective
in helping patients recently diagnosed with type-2 diabetes to achieve and
maintain small changes in self-management behaviors using a proactive 5-step
plan.

The present study examines an extended version of this intervention that aims
to address more challenging self-management goals once patients have mastered
the skills necessary to achieve relatively small improvements in their
self-management. The effectiveness of this more challenging goal-setting
strategy will be compared with one that continues to focus on small goals which
are achievable in the short term.

A prospective randomized controlled design will be employed to compare the
effectiveness of two conditions, (2x150) over 18 months (including 6 month
follow-up). Conditions include the experimental condition (the original course
plus ambitious extension) and a control condition (including the original
course plus extension focusing on small, short-tem goals).

All patients will receive the original intervention which uses a 5-step plan,
based on self-regulation theory and proactive coping, to help them translate
their intentions into concrete goals and plans. The original program will be
extended to 12 months and include 4 additional sessions focusing on either
small, realistic goals (control condition) ormore challenging goals geared to
achieving an optimal diabetes management (experimental condition).

All patients will receive the original self-management course which has been
proven effective. Patients will fill out 4 questionnaires and about 10ml of
blood will be taken at the beginning and end of the study