Self-Management Education: A Patient-Focused Quality Improvement Strategy in Managing Diabetes

Diabetes stands as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century, affecting millions of individuals globally and straining healthcare systems with its economic and social burdens. While medical advancements have improved treatment options, they alone are insufficient to address the complexities of managing this chronic condition. A paradigm shift toward empowering patients through self-management education has emerged as a transformative solution—one that prioritizes education, engagement, and empowerment to enhance health outcomes and quality of life.

This book aims to bridge critical gaps in diabetes care by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding, designing, and implementing self-management education programs. It emphasizes moving beyond traditional, provider-driven care models to adopt collaborative, patientcentered strategies that address the diverse needs of individuals living with diabetes.

Organized into six chapters, this book explores every dimension of self-management education. Beginning with an overview of the global burden of diabetes and the urgent need for patient-focused interventions, it progresses through theoretical foundations, key program components, and innovative delivery methods. The book also discusses the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these programs and addresses the challenges inherent in their implementation, particularly in resource-constrained and culturally diverse settings.

By synthesizing global perspectives, theoretical insights, and evidence-based research, this work offers actionable insights for healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers. It underscores the transformative potential of self-management education in empowering patients to actively participate in their care, improving health outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs.

This book is more than an academic resource—it is a call to action. As you journey through its pages, may you find inspiration, knowledge, and practical strategies to champion patient empowerment, enhance healthcare delivery, and contribute to the fight against diabetes