Learning Objective #1: Idenify physical function barriers (measurable outcomes: modify environment to accomodate self-management, intervene early for anticipated functional barriers, implement strategies for self-management)

Learning Objective #2: Describe self-perceived physical limiations (measurabe outcomes: increase awarenss of self-perceived limitations, implementation of findings to enhance positive outcomes)

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Purpose: The older adults are disproportionately affected by diabetes and are more likely to have co-morbidities, diabetic complications, and disabilities than younger adults. These complications place an extraordinary burden on the body and produce additional stress to the diabetic individual. Supported by abundant empirical evidence are the findings that effective self-management reduces the occurrence of long-term complications. The literature suggests it is difficult for the older adults to manage their diabetes. Guidelines for diabetes management and treatment developed by the American Diabetes Association are not specifically targeted for the elderly population. Understanding the impact of diabetes on the older adults provides a foundation for development of diabetic protocols that focus on this growing and vulnerable population. The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers experienced by older adults in self-management of their diabetes. Method: A purposive sample of older adult participants will be selected from Senior Centers in North Central Alabama following IRB approval. Participants will be 55 years of age or older, male and female, lucid, English speaking, and willing to participate. Unstructured, audio taped, face-to-face interviews will be conducted individually with each participant in which participants will describe their experiences as a diabetic. The audio taped interviews will be transcribed verbatim beginning with the first interview and analyzed using the Thomas and Pollio's phenomenological method, which begins with bracketing. Data Analysis: Data analysis will begin with data collection. Audio taped interviews will be transcribed verbatim and read while listening to the audiotape. All transcripts will be analyzed by the researchers to determine emerging themes described by the participants.