Support of chronic illness self-management by healthcare professionals is a key element of improved outcomes. The body of research on practice strategies that can help improve self-management outcomes continues to grow,1 and many healthcare professionals are curious to learn more.
Peer support, based on experiential knowledge rather than formal training, is a powerful tool that can be introduced to those with diabetes with minimal time commitment for the consultant. It has proven benefits for the person with diabetes.
Peer support successfully promotes daily, consistent efforts to improve health behaviour. This can help optimise metabolic management and improve quality of life in those with diabetes.2