Multimodal Diabetes Empowerment for Older Adults with Diabetes

Systematically improving empowerment is not easy when operating a diabetes program for older adults. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of the diabetes empowerment (Dia-Empower) program for older adults with type 2 diabetes. A non-randomized controlled study with a matched sampling design was conducted. Community-dwelling older adults with diabetes were allocated to either the Dia-Empower program group or a control group. Changes in the primary (diabetes self-care and empowerment) and secondary outcomes (body composition and physical function) were compared between the groups. The scores for diabetes self-care and empowerment were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Changes in skeletal muscle mass and body fat ratio were significantly different between the groups. Handgrip strength and shoulder flexibility positively changed in the experimental group. The Dia-Empower program was feasible for older adults with diabetes in the community. In the future, it is necessary to study the long-term effects of the program and its effects on blood sugar control.