Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine if a one hour educational session about self-awareness has any short-term or long-term impact on diabetes self-awareness in individuals who have Type 1 diabetes. Self-awareness is essential for good glycemic control and complication reduction. Design: The research was conducted within Hernandez’ (1991) theory of integration. This short intervention study had a pre- (baseline) and post-intervention (X2) measurement design. Population, Sample, Setting: Twenty-nine adolescents and young adults participated in one of two educational sessions, held in a rural retreat centre. Methods: Each educational session consisted of viewing a videotape on self-awareness and participating in a discussion of cues of high, low, and normal blood glucose, as well as the situations that cause these. Questionnaires were completed pre-education, immediately post-education, and 12 months later. Findings: The number of cues identified for all levels of blood glucose was increased following the educational intervention, demonstrating the success of the intervention. Many of the body cues identified by subjects were different than those typically presented in diabetes education materials and programs; some cues have not been previously found in the literature. Concerns identified were related to the change of body cues over time, frequency of classic signs of hypoglycemia, and the frequency of severe lows. Implications: This research has implications for the content, delivery method, and educational materials of diabetes education programs. Additional research is necessary to investigate the concerns raised regarding frequency of severe hypoglycemia, and body cue changes.
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