Co-Designing Diabetes Self-Management Education with Older Adults in Rural Ontario

What? This project works alongside older adults living with diabetes, care partners, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve diabetes self-management education (DSME) for rural communities in Ontario. Using a participatory approach, the research brings community members and researchers together to share experiences, identify priorities, and co-design education that reflects everyday rural life. A Participatory Knowledge Exchange Event (PKEE) provided a space for participants to discuss barriers, strengths, and practical ideas for improving diabetes education. The project builds on several years of research in the Sharbot Lake region and aims to ensure future DSME programs are shaped with communities rather than designed for them.

Why? Older adults living with diabetes in rural Ontario face unique challenges, including long travel distances, limited access to services, food insecurity, and fewer education programs. Existing diabetes education often does not reflect these realities. This project aimed to develop practical, accessible, and community-informed education that better
supports older adults where they live.

How? The project used interviews, photovoice, and community engagement activities to understand the experiences of older adults living with diabetes. Findings were then shared during Participatory Knowledge Exchange Events (PKEEs), where older adults, care partners, healthcare providers, community organizations, and researchers discussed results together and identified priorities for future diabetes education programs.

Results: Although the project is ongoing, findings have been translated into knowledge mobilization resources. A plain-language community report was developed to share key findings with participants and community partners, alongside an evidence-informed policy brief that provides recommendations for improving diabetes self-management education for older adults in rural Ontario. Project findings have also been summarized through infographics and continue to guide discussions with community members, healthcare providers, and decision-makers as the next phase of the project is developed.

Impact of findings: The findings are guiding the next phase of the project by informing diabetes education that is practical, easier to access, and shaped by community voices. The work strengthens partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers, and rural communities while supporting locally designed diabetes self-management education programs.

Acknowledgements: Ms. Deborah Krause (Sharbot Lake Family Health Team)

Funded By

CIHR – Institute of Aging Planning and Dissemination Grants - Institute Community Support83)

Partners

Ms. Louise Moody (Rural Frontenac Community Services)

Ms. Laura Huffman (Rural Frontenac Community Services)