Theory of Planned Behavior: Social Support and Diabetes Self-Management

Diabetes prevalence is increasing in the United States and is strongly associated with obesity and devastating comorbidities. To achieve good health outcomes and quality of life, it is crucial for older adults with diabetes and obesity to have adequate social support to sustain diabetes self-management practices. The theory of planned behavior provides a theoretically guided framework for nurse practitioners to develop tailored strategies that include psychosocial support for diabetes self-management. Nurse practitioners should use theory-guided practice models that include family, friends, providers, and community support in order to improve and sustain diabetes self-management behaviors.