Education as an integral part of the standard medical care for a type 2 diabetic patients - the impact of education on patient's diet and quality of life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5457/ams.v44i1-2.369Keywords:
type 2 diabetes, education, diet quality, life qualityAbstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes (DMT2) is a major health problem of the 21st century. The progressive nature of the hyperglycemia, the main feature of DMT2 contributes to vascular damage inducing high risk of macro-and microvascular complications. Standard medical care asks for a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach which includes medications and education on diet and regular physical activity.
Aim was to determine how many DMT2 patients received education, adherence to the recommended diet, and whether education correlates with the level of control, and quality of life.
Methods: Randomized observational cross-sectional study included DMT2 patients, ≥45 years from Baranja region, Eastern Croatia, who completed an anonymous, study-specific questionnaire.
Results: Eighty seven adults diagnosed with DMT2, average age 68.0 ± 9.4 years (46.0% males), living in rural areas (92.0%) and retired (77.0%) completed the questionnaire. Study participants had badly controlled glycaemia (81.8% according to blood glucose criteria), 81.6% have increased body mass index, acute complications are presented in 65.6% and chronic in 54.0% of the study participants. Dietary recommendations are not followed by 59.8% of participants, but 78.2% said they are interested in additional education on diet. Participants who were educated on diet have diet of better quality (p=0.009), better social life (p<0.001) and better psychophysical state (p=0.004), with better subjective impress of the overall quality of life.
Conclusions: The results show clear positive influence of education on diet and quality of life of DMT2 patients. Continuous education is needed, and for elderly, retired, from rural areas pharmacies should be considered as educational centres.
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