Question

How can a nurse educate their patients with Type 2 diabetes? What are some barriers the nurse might encounter?

Answer 1

Diabetes is a problem with body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep blood glucose at normal levels.

Health education given to a patient with Type 2 diabetes includes;

• Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if BMI is greater than 25.
• Exercise regularly. Go with friends, take a dance class, relax with yoga… Find something you like so you’ll stick with it. Recent studies show that upping your lean muscle mass may lower your odds of developing prediabetes.
• Choose lean and low-fat foods.
  • Eat unprocessed, high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits and veggies.
  • Bake, broil or grill lean meats.
  • Use fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt.
  • Eat as little added sugar as possible each day.
  • Use less fat and/or oil when cooking and baking.
• Eat healthy, moderate amounts.
  • Watch your portion sizes, especially when eating out.
  • Make your meals last at least 20 minutes.
  • Add satisfying, protein-rich foods to all meals and snacks.
  • Divide your plate in half and fill one side
• Maintain regular health check-ups
• • Monitoring of blood glucose level and health check ups
  • HbA1C monitoring on frequent intervals

Barriers that nurse encountered while giving health education;

The main problem is related to the understanding of the patients. Many people are unaware of this health problem and consider it as a minor problem. It is very difficult for a nurse to teach such patients.

Socioeconomic status of patient is another barriers for nurses. Also certain cultural factors make it difficult for nurses to give health education to type 2 diabetes patients.