Introduction
Intensifying adherence in patients with diabetes could be attained via strong social backing policies. Family members and friends form support alternatives for the majority of diabetes patients. Social support could lead to a positive impact on the capacity of the patient to instigate and uphold diabetes management that could bring about positive health results (Eisenstat, Ulman, Siegel, & Carlson, 2013). The engagement of medical experts also links with patient improvement in certain results not overlaid by a patient’s social system.
Support Needs of the Participant and Appropriate Interventions of Caregiver
Some of the support needs of JB are listed below.
- Coping skills
- Counseling
- Dietary limitations
- Healthy nutrition
- Lifestyle modification
- Medication management
- Monitoring of blood sugar level
- Physical exercise
Below are some suitable interventions of the professional caregiver, the nurse.
- Administration of insulin or medication (such as metformin) as required
- Encouraging the patient to take part in a monitored exercise plan
- Helping the patient develop coping skills (Eisenstat et al., 2013)
- Keeping accurate records of critical indications, weight, water intake, rate of urination, and intake of calories
- Examining diabetic impacts on the peripheral vascular, nervous, and cardiovascular system
- Assessing indications of urinary tract infections and examining the presence of protein in the urine, which is an early indication of nephropathy
- Advocating frequent ophthalmologic tests
- Instructing the patient on the best way of caring for his feet
- Advising the patient, his family members, and friends on the means of monitoring the patient’s diet and health
Support Groups
Support groups are instrumental as they give patients the chance to learn more regarding the management of diabetes and obtain the support required to live comfortably with diabetes. Below are some support groups for diabetes patients in the US. The American Diabetes Association acts as a resource hub for diabetes patients in America (Powers et al., 2015). The Diabetes Advocacy Alliance is a coalition merging patients, non-profit-making organizations, professionals, trade groups, and companies to change how diabetes is perceived and treated in the US.
Nursing Professional’s Role
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be distressing. Therefore, a nurse will not just treat the patient but also act as a diabetes educator to assist the patient in the acceptance of diagnosis and treatment (Shah, Gupchup, Borrego, Raisch, & Knapp, 2012). The major objective of such teaching is to equip the patient with the knowledge to apply autonomous behavioral modifications to enhance the effective management of diabetes. The nurse will also inform the patient about the requirements in the treatment of diabetes, for instance, monitoring the glucose level, dietary restrictions, and regular exercise to mention a few, and encourage the patient to meet such necessities.
Coping Skills
After realizing JB’s depression signs, his friends and family members brought him to me to assist him to develop coping skills. I first made JB realize that the diagnosis of diabetes, just as any other chronic disease, could be unanticipated but only calls for lifetime dedication and behavioral changes to live a normal and happy life. Such skills made JB consider and practice life fulfillment in such areas as spiritual, physical, psychological, a family associated, work linked, social, and personal matters. JB regularly attended self-management lessons and education programs, which greatly assisted in his overcoming negative emotions and effectively managing diabetes.
Conclusion
Strengthening adherence in patients with diabetes could be realized via strong social and family support. The involvement of medical personnel, such as a nurse, is also of great assistance. Support groups are influential as they offer patients the chance to discover more regarding the management of diabetes. For newly diagnosed cases, a nurse does not just treat the patient but also operates as a diabetes educator to support the patient in the acceptance of diagnosis and treatment.
References
Eisenstat, S. A., Ulman, K., Siegel, A. L., & Carlson, K. (2013). Diabetes group visits: Integrated medical care and behavioral support to improve diabetes care and outcomes from a primary care perspective. Current diabetes reports, 13(2), 177-187.
Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J., Cypress, M., Duker, P., Funnell, M. M., Fischl, A. H., & Vivian, E. (2015). Diabetes self-management education and support in type 2 diabetes: A joint position statement of The American Diabetes Association, The American Association of Diabetes Educators, and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Diabetes Educator, 12(1), 89-94.
Shah, B. M., Gupchup, G. V., Borrego, M. E., Raisch, D. W., & Knapp, K. K. (2012). Depressive symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Do stress and coping matter? Stress and Health, 28(2), 111-122.