An Overview of Improving Diabetes Self-Management with Problem Solving Skills Building

In the US in 2018, 11.3% of the population had Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and 38% of the population had pre-diabetes (Diabetes Fast stats, 2022; National diabetes fact sheet, 2014). Additionally, 15.9% of people are estimated to have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes (Diabetes Fast stats, 2022; Nathan, 1993). Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death (Diabetes Fast stats, 2022; National diabetes fact sheet, 2014). Diabetes is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death (Diabetes Fast stats, 2022; Grundy et al., 1999). People with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to have CVD than those without diabetes (Diabetes Fast stats, 2022; Nathan, 1993). A diagnosis of diabetes increases the risk of stroke, CVD, and renal failure (Fowler, 2008; Keane et al., 2003; Sarnak et al., 2003). In 2020, the mortality rate for diabetes mellitus was 31.0 deaths per 100,000 population (Diabetes Fast stats, 2022). Behavioral factors are associated with poor glucose control among many patients with uncontrolled diabetes, such as poor diet, low physical activity, and general lack of good self-management skills, (Ahola & Groop, 2013; Engelgau et al., 2004) increasing their chronic-disease burden and often with devastating health outcomes (Educators, 2014; Houle et al., 2015; National diabetes fact sheet, 2014; Norris et al., 2001). People who live with type 2 diabetes have challenges that present frequently which requires them to self-manage multiple behaviors…