Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of diabetes self-management education(DSME) among diabetes patients on improving their self-care ability. Methods Total 160 patients were recruited in our hospital from May,2014 to January,2015.The diabetes self-management education of the nature,cause,harm and prevention of diabetes was performed among the patients and their families through lecture,communication,consultation and related image data,to develop their self-management skills and strengthen their awareness of self-management.Summary of diabetes self-care activities(SDSCA) scale was used to compare the changes in self-care abilities before and after the self-management education by medical workers. Results The score ofeating behavior,exercise behavior,blood sugar monitoring,foot care and smoking behavior after the self-management education were higher than those before the education,the difference was statistically significant(t=16.235,30.142,24.363,39.125,11.217,P<0.001),but the score of drug taking behavior was not obviously changed before and after the self-management education,the difference was not statistically significant(t=1.128,P=0.124). Conclusion The diabetes self-management education can improve the symptoms of diabetes,prevent the occurrence of complications,and improve the clinical treatment effects.It also can effectively improve the self-care ability of patients and the accompanying ability of their family carers,and improve the quality of life.