CONCLUSIONS Despite a compelling theoretical base , research ers have only minimally studied the value of interventions targeting patients ' social networks on diabetes care .
OBJECTIVES In the care of patients with type 2 diabetes , self-management is emphasised and studied while theory and observations suggest that patients also benefit from social support .
We sought to assess the effect of social network interventions on social support , glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes .
An Ecological Perspective on Diabetes Self-care Support, Self-management Behaviors, and Hemoglobin A1C Among Latinos
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the role of self , interpersonal ( ie , family/friend ) , and organizational ( ie , health care ) support in performing diabetes-related self-management behaviors and hemoglobin A1C ( A1C ) levels among rural Latinos with type 2 diabetes . Methods Cross-sectional data from baseline interviews and medical records were used from a r and omized controlled trial conducted in rural Southern California involving a clinic sample of Latinos with type 2 diabetes ( N = 317 ) .  Self-management behaviors included  fruit and vegetable intake , fat intake , physical activity , glucose monitoring , daily examination of feet , and medication adherence . Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships of sources of support with self-management behaviors and A1C . Results Higher levels of self-support were significantly associated with eating fruits and vegetables most days/week , eating high-fat foods few days/week , engaging in physical activity most days/week , daily feet examinations , and self-reported medication adherence . Self-support was also related to A1C . Family/friend support was significantly associated with eating fruits and vegetables and engaging in physical activity most days/week . Health care support was significantly associated with consuming fats most days/week . Conclusions Health care practitioners and future interventions should focus on improving individuals ’ diabetes management behaviors , with the ultimate goal of promoting glycemic control . Eliciting family/friend support should be encouraged to promote fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity
CONCLUSIONS Despite a compelling theoretical base , research ers have only minimally studied the value of interventions targeting patients ' social networks on diabetes care .
OBJECTIVES In the care of patients with type 2 diabetes , self-management is emphasised and studied while theory and observations suggest that patients also benefit from social support .
We sought to assess the effect of social network interventions on social support , glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes .