Issues that impact type-2 diabetes self-management in rural communities

Purpose: To evaluate and synthesize the evidence related to issues that impact type-2 diabetes self-management in rural communities.

Data sources: A systematic review of the literature from 2008 to 2013 was conducted using the following health science databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OVID. Other databases searched included the clearinghouses of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); National Rural Health Association (NRHA), State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), and Rural Health Research & Policy Centers (RHRPC). Keywords used to obtain relevant articles included rural, type-2 diabetes self-management, health disparities, and nursing.

Conclusion: Three themes emerged from the literature examined: barriers to type-2 diabetes self-management, provider tools and education enhance type-2 diabetes self-management, and recommendations and guidelines for diabetes self-management efficacy.

Implications for practice: The information presented here will support healthcare providers in improving preventative care, providing optimal disease management, and assisting with successful type-2 diabetes self-management in rural populations.