Structured Self-Regulation Intervention and Glycemic Control in Indonesian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted self-regulation intervention in improving glycaemic control among Indonesian adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted among 148 outpatients in Surabaya, Indonesia, allocated to either an intervention group or a standard care control group. The six-week group-based programme incorporated goal setting, self-monitoring, self-evaluation, problem solving, and adaptive coping. Baseline clinical characteristics, including body mass index (BMI) and glucose-lowering therapy, were comparable between groups (all p > 0.05). Glycaemic control was assessed using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline and after six weeks. Participants receiving the intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c (−0.98%, 95% CI: 0.73–1.23; p < 0.001), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.203). Post-intervention HbA1c levels were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.002). High adherence and complete follow-up supported the feasibility of the programme. These findings suggest that structured, culturally adapted self-regulation interventions can effectively complement pharmacological treatment and strengthen diabetes self-management among adults with type 2 diabetes.