Important aspects of care for people with type II diabetes
Date
2004
Authors
Gugins, Sandra
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2004
Abstract
Type II diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts millions of people in North America
and around the world. Research has shown the relationship between diabetes
management and aspects of care, including food choices, physical activity, stress
reduction, medications, family and social support, and health care provider follow up.
This project examines how important these aspects of care are to clients with Type II
diabetes and their disease management. The completed mail in surveys indicated that
clients rated food choices, follow-up with their physician, and medications among the
most important aspects of care. Stress reduction and supportive friends received the
lowest rating of importance. Variables including area of residence, sex, age, number of
years with diabetes, insulin use, and oral medication use were used to further examine the
responses. All aspects of care were rated higher by female respondents. Means for stress
reduction and supportive friends varied the most between the genders. As the number of
years with diabetes increased, so did the rating of importance of medications and followup
with health care providers. Supportive family, supportive friends and follow-up with
the physician all showed a pattern of being rated high for participants with diabetes less
than one year. These ratings dropped for participants having diabetes between two and
ten years but increased again for participants having diabetes over 11 years. Participants
also listed other areas important to managing their diabetes. Checking and monitoring
blood sugars and receiving additional information on diabetes were the most common
responses given. Suggestions for further research and current practice are included.
Description
vi, 45 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Diabetes , Diabetics -- Health and hygiene , Diabetics -- Care