A rural diabetes support group

Rural residents with diabetes often feel isolated from health professionals. Support groups provide a bridge between formal health care and the self-help that is practiced by clients with diabetes. Increased knowledge and social support can lead to increased glucose control in adults with diabetes. The purpose of this project was to address the social support and educational needs of rural residents with diabetes by implementing an adult diabetes support group. Future research on implementing support groups would guide advanced practice nurses and nurse educators in developing more appropriate support groups for clients.