The quality of diabetes care in the US is sub-optimal and has not substantially improved over the last decade. Patient behavioral change and empowerment for self-management activities are key to improving diabetes care, but few patients currently receive the support they need to attain self-efficacy. Conversation Maps®, used as a conduit to facilitate interaction between providers and patients in a group self-management education setting, show promise to improve self-efficacy and thereby lead to improved self-management and better clinical outcomes. For patients with established type 2 diabetes not achieving optimal glycemic control, this randomized trial will formally compare the impact of an interactive group-based learning experience using conversation maps called IDEA (Interactive Dialogue to Educate and Activate) to the following interventions (1) education delivered on an individual basis by a nurse educator and dietitian consistent with maximum allowable reimbursement through Medicare and (2) usual care (care as recommended through the patient’s usual providers). This multi-site trial has the support of HealthPartners Medical Group and ABQ Health Partners, where the interventions will be conducted. Outcomes to be evaluated include clinical measures obtained through passive electronic record surveillance of blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids, and survey assessmsent of satisfaction, lifestyle behavior, and self-efficacy. IDEA may provide a more effective model to improve quality of diabetes management and outcomes in many of the 21 million Americans with this devastating chronic disease.