Education and diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease that requires long-term care since it involves major changes in both physical and psychosocial dimension of each patient. Diabetes education is a critical element of care that improves patient outcomes. Aim: The aim of the present study was to review the literature about the education in Diabetes mellitus management. Method: The method of this study included bibliographic research of the literature from reviews and researches, mainly in the PubMed data base, which referred to education in Diabetes mellitus management. PubMed was searched using the following key search terms: “Diabetes mellitus”, “self-management”, “education” while the research covered the period 1999-2012. Results: According to the literature, education should not be a mere transmission of information, but a dynamic, holistic, planned care based on individual’s needs (patient-centred approach). Furthermore, education promotes self-management and health-related behaviour modification. Moreover, education should be consistent with individual’s learning skills and psychosocial state. Diabetes education should be reinforced after its' completion and enhance in depth understanding of the significance of check-up and follow-up. Last but not least effective education requires good communication among diabetic patients and health professionals. Conclusions: The overall goal of diabetes education is to help individuals and their families gain the necessary knowledge, life skills, resources and support needed to achieve optimal health.

Author(s): Kosti Marina

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