Campus Location
Abilene Campus (Residential)
Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
OTD Capstone
Department
Occupational Therapy
Degree
OTD
Faculty Advisor
Tamara Traber
Site Mentor
Lauren Newman
Capstone Coordinator
Leslye Morris
Specialization
Program Development
Focus
The role of occupational therapy in diabetes self-management
Abstract
This doctoral capstone project aimed to create an educational program to improve quality of life for individuals with diabetes by enhancing daily self-management and occupational engagement to prevent long-term complications. The literature states that although diabetes complications are common, they are also highly preventable through self-management strategies. Because diabetes self-management is deeply embedded into daily routines, occupational therapy practitioners can play a unique role in supporting individuals in this process. Prior to participation in the educational program, participants completed a screening tool assessing their diabetes management routines and confidence in the context of daily activities. An occupational therapy-informed, six-week educational program was developed to address six major areas: Diabetes Management, Balanced Eating and Meal Prep, Social Participation, Rest and Sleep, Stress Management and Coping, and Leisure. The program not only provided diabetes education related to each category but emphasized application in daily life through training in habits and routines, an evidence-based occupational therapy approach that supports long-term sustainability. Pre- and post-program Diabetes Distress Scale-17 scores indicated a reduction in diabetes distress for all participants following completion of the program. Additionally, all participants who completed the program reported that it helped them develop health-promoting habits and routines they are likely to continue. Overall, this project affirms the valuable role of occupational therapy in improving the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.
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