Sometimes, readers may wonder if there is a difference between problem solving and self-management. There often isn’t.

Russ Glasgow and his co-workers have conducted a number of studies that looked at problem solving as a core aspect of effective diabetes and chronic illness self-management. In their most recent study, they examined a large sample of adults with type 2 diabetes by examining a number of factors, including patient characteristics, self-management behaviors, and biological and psychosocial measures. Diabetes problem solving proved to be an important patient skill related to several key diabetes management factors that appear useful across racial and ethnic groups.

In the studies my colleagues and I have conducted, we looked more on the processes of self-management, although almost a fourth of the course time was devoted to teaching patients to use these patient skills to solve problems. Thus, the difference between our work and the excellent research of Russ and his colleagues is one of emphasis, not major differences. Both approaches seek to teach you how to solve any problems you encounter and to manage your illness on a daily basis. In addition, the practice of self-management skills can help you solve all sorts of problems, most of which are not related to your illness.

R.E. Glasgow et al. Problem solving and diabetes self-management: investigation in a large, multiracial sample. Diabetes Care. 2007, 30:33-37.