Outcomes are discussed from a group-based diabetes self-management education (DSME) programme specifically tailored for New Zealand’s social and ethnic environment. A total of 107 patients aged 18–80 years (mean age 56.7 years) with type 2 diabetes from diverse cultural backgrounds were recruited from primary care. The mean duration of diabetes was 7.5 years and ethnic backgrounds consisted of NZ European (44%), Māori (24%), Pacific (16%) and Indian (16%).Seventeen groups of six weekly education sessions were conducted. Responses to a self-administered questionnaire on diabetes knowledge and self-management behaviours revealed that the programme improved confidence in self-managing diabetes, regular examination of feet, physical activity levels and smoking rates. HbA1C was improved from 64.9 mmol/mol (8.07%) at baseline to 59.9 mmol/mol (7.62%) at 6 months (p<0.05), but was no different to baseline at 9 months. Systolic BP reduced from 131.9 to 127.4 mmHg (p<0.05) at 6 months, but increased to baseline levels by 9 months. Diastolic BP, triglycerides and urine microalbumin:creatinine ratio were significantly reduced at 3, 6 and 9 months.
