Diabetes self management beyond medication through community based supports in London Ontario Canada

Abstract Background and objective Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health concern requiring self-management strategies that extend beyond pharmacological treatment. Food insecurity, limited access to culturally appropriate health services, and broader social determinants of health can undermine diabetes self-management, particularly among marginalized and racialized populations. Although community-based interventions integrating nutritional support, health education, and physical activity have shown promise, limited research has examined participant experiences with culturally tailored diabetes support programs in Canada. Informed by the Social Ecological Model (SEM), this study explored participant experiences with Type Diabeat-it , a Black-led charitable organization addressing diabetes-related health inequities through culturally responsive community-based supports, and examined how its food, fitness, and educational initiatives influenced diabetes self-management and well-being among individuals living with or at risk of diabetes. Method This qualitative exploratory study utilized interviews ( n  = 12) and focus group discussions ( n  = 45), involving 57 participants. Participants included individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, caregivers, and community members without diabetes. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis supported by NVivo. Results Six themes emerged. Participants reported improved access to diabetes-appropriate foods, healthier eating practices, increased physical activity, enhanced diabetes knowledge, and stronger motivation for self-management. Consistent with the SEM, participants valued the program’s cultural relevance, sense of belonging, supportive relationships, and community-based resources as important contributors to diabetes self-management. Conclusion Community organizations like Type Diabeat-it support diabetes self-management by tackling social, behavioral, and structural health factors. Culturally responsive interventions can lower health disparities and prevent chronic diseases.