The effectiveness of self-management program to prevent diabetic nephropathy progression: a literature review

Aim: The aim of the literature review was to identify evidence of the effectiveness of self-management programs in preventing progression of diabetic nephropathy. Design: A literature review. Methods: This review was conducted according to the Cochrane guidelines for systematic review research and complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We found seven articles from electronic databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and CINAHL from 2011 to 2021. Three researchers independently conducted study selections, extracted data, and assessed the data quality. Results: Seven studies were included (two randomized control trials and five quasi-experimental studies). We examined studies that provided deep analysis and explanation of self-management to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy. Conclusion: All of the studies reported that self-management programs significantly improved behaviors aimed at preventing diabetic nephropathy progression such as dietary, physical activity, medication adherence, and smoking cessation. In addition to behaviors, the program also improved renal function, metabolic markers, and blood pressure.