International Journal of Nursing Research

Objective To further improve the treatment efficacy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in elderly patients, enhance their self-management behaviors, and reduce the impact of complications on quality of life, this study discusses the application value of self-management health education methods in the nursing care of elderly T2DM patients, aiming to provide practical and feasible reference protocols for such patients. Methods The study was conducted from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 80 elderly T2DM patients undergoing treatment during this period were selected as observation subjects. Using computerized random allocation, all patients were divided into two groups: the conventional management group (control group) and the conventional management plus self-management health education group (observation group). Relevant data were statistically analyzed and compared to assess differences in outcomes. Results Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly lower blood glucose levels, superior self-management behavior scores, and improved quality of life scores (P<0.05). Conclusion Implementing self-management health education methods in elderly T2DM patients can significantly enhance their self-management cognition and behaviors, improve glycemic control, and demonstrate positive auxiliary effects in complication prevention and quality of life improvement. This approach warrants clinical attention and should be promoted as a reliable nursing protocol.

Self-management health education methods; Elderly; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Nursing value