Just Diagnosed
On diagnosis, diabetes patients need to be equipped with knowledge and skills to manage their life with diabetes effectively. This rarely happens because most medics do not have enough time with the patient, or most hospitals do not offer such facilities. There is, therefore, a special need for interdisciplinary approach and care in the management of Diabetes.
The value or aims of patient education would therefore be to:
- Encourage and empower the patient to accept responsibility for his/ her own health care.
- Empower the patient to acquire the necessary information.
- Empower and motivate the person living with diabetes on behavioral change.
If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, do not panic or lose hope. Diabetes is not a restriction/ disease, but a condition you can live with, provided you keep your blood sugar levels close to normal as possible.
Do not be disheartened. There is a lot you can do to avoid complications that come with diabetes.
You in Control: Attitude and Practice
- The most important person in the circle of diabetes is YOU!
- YOU are the centre of the wheel, which also includes the doctor, dietician, chiropodist and your family.
- Accept your condition, know that you can control it and live you life the way YOU want it... do not let diabetes control YOU!
- Always follow instructions of your health care provider regarding your treatment, diet, blood sugar monitoring and blood pressure.
- In case of any questions, or other illness, seek medical attention.
Handy hints on how to get the most out of life
- Avoid sugar in all forms. Artificial sweeteners are allowed.
- Eat less fat/ carbohydrates.
- Eat regular small meals.
- Eat more fiber. Fiber is fantastic for controlling blood sugar (found in fresh fruits, cereals and vegetables).
- Exercising regularly enhances good control of diabetes and hypertension.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can damage organs in your body permanently. Monitor your blood sugars regularly.
How to avoid complication
- A positive attitude is a good start.
- Optimal glucose control is most important according to research studies
- Proper drug compliance.
- A balanced diet.
- Exercise - brisk walking, swimming, aerobics, or any other kind of sports.
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbAIC (glucosylated haemoglobin) - this is a blood test that gives information on glucose control over the last 2-3 months.
- If you are hypertensive, reduce salt intake and keep blood pressure under control with medication.
- If you are on insulin, do not stop in case of illness.
- Stop smoking!!
- Regular medical check-ups, yearly eye check-ups.
- Regular sessions with dieticians foot care specialists (chiropodists).
- Carry a diabetes identification card/ bracelet.
Motivation and Attitude
Motivation is a very vital first step in the journey to self-care. Most patients get into denial and fall prey to diabetes complications. The person living diabetes should be counseled on how to deal with:
- Emotional Barriers - A newly diagnosed patient might not be able to come to terms with living with diabetes. The person goes through different stages grieving, denial, anger, depression and then adaptation. There is a real need to fight these barriers.
- Fear - This deals with fear and worries about long-term effects of diabetes. The person might think of diabetes as a disaster or a burden and might not feel able to cope with the required change in behavior and financial concerns. The person has a lot of economic concerns, i.e.:
- Cost of special food
- Cost of medication
- Lack of transport to medical facilities
- Managing doctor's and hospital expenses
The person has worries about the ability to continue with an existing job or career. - Social Concerns - The patient must be counseled on how to deal with social stigma. He/ she must know how to deal with the family/ society for support.
- Cultural Differences and Myths - Strict religious or cultural codes could dictate the behavior of the person with diabetes. There is a major concern towards this issue because if it is not handled properly, many patients end up seeking cures through:
- Divine healing
- Herbal treatments
- Traditional healers
