Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effects of a self-control promotion program on self-efficacy, self-care and physiological indicators of patients with diabetes who live in local communities. Method: This research was designed using a nonequivalent control group pre, posttest study. Data were collected from December, 2008 through March, 2009. The participants of the study consisted of 93 patients with diabetes who live in a local community. A self-control promotion program was provided for the experimental group for 12 weeks. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires and direct measurements, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were significant differences in self-efficacy and self-care between the experimental and control groups. However, there were no significant differences in physiological indicators such as fasting blood sugar, HbA1C, BMI, and BP between the two groups. Conclusion: The results indicate that the self-control promotion program was effective in promoting self-efficacy and self-care, which are crucial factors in controlling diabetes mellitus. However, a longitudinal study needs to be done to confirm the effects of self-control promotion programs on long-term glucose control.