This article examines current research on behaviour change in relation to supporting older adults with type 2 diabetes in the community. It outlines the different areas of self-care that older adults with diabetes engage in, argues for the need for behaviour change intervention in adults with the illness and discusses the complexities of diabetes self-care regimens, with particular focus on older adults. A review of current scientific thinking about eliciting behaviour change in areas such as diet, physical activity and medication taking is undertaken. The article concludes with a set of practical recommendations for community health professionals.

Ali Tomlin - Post-Doctoral Fellow, Institute of Diabetes for Older People, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Postgraduate Medical School, University of Bedfordshire, Luton

Koula Asimakopoulou - Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology, Unit of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dental Institute, King's College London