[Applying self-regulation theory to develop an exercise protocol for diabetes mellitus].

The prevalence and mortality rates for diabetes in Taiwan have gradually increased in recent years. Moreover, according to the Bureau of National Health Insurance in 1998, diabetes accounts for 11.5% of overall health care spending in Taiwan, which imposes a substantial cost burden on society and patients. From the perspective of economics, exercise is the most effective, and yet the hardest behavior for patients to carry out in terms of diabetes control. Self-regulation theory is a model that can be used to develop effective strategies for behavioral modification. We designed activities for a diabetes exercise protocol on the basis of three components (i.e., self-monitoring, self-judgment and self-reaction) of self-regulation theory. It is expected that this protocol will effectively improve patients' exercise behavior.