Main Aspects of Preparing Diabetic Patients in Poland for Self-Care

Abstract

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease which can cause many complications and organ-related disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze selected aspects of preparing patients with diabetes for self-care. The study group consisted of 190 people diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including 101 women and 89 men. The mean age of the respondents was 42.2 ± 13.4 years. The study was conducted using an anonymous self-designed questionnaire containing 50 questions. Among the respondents, 23.2% did not control their glucose levels at home. The respondents most often measured glucose once a day (33.6%) or three times a day (26.7%). A total of 64.7% of the respondents declared that they kept a self-monitoring diary. The knowledge of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and the ability to properly manage it was declared by 64.8% of the respondents. A total of 52.1% of the patients did not undertake any activity lasting more than 30 min at least 3 times a week, and 75.2% described their condition as very good and good. Independent participation in therapy, i.e., taking hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, was declared by 63.7% of the respondents. Despite undergoing therapeutic education, the study population diagnosed with diabetes still shows deficiencies in terms of awareness of proper health behaviors. Objective results showed that the patients had insufficient knowledge and skills in terms of self-care and self-observation, blood glucose and blood pressure measurements, physical activity, diet therapy as well as adherence to pharmacotherapy recommendations. Despite the good general preparation for self-care as declared by the respondents, these patients require further systematic, individual educational activities. The results of the present study have implications for nursing practice, patient therapeutic education, and the functioning of the public health and healthcare systems. The number of diabetic patients is constantly increasing. Patients require coordinated care and individualized therapeutic education in order to be prepared for self-care and self-management, thus reducing the risk of complications. Delaying the occurrence of potential complications provides patients with a chance to live an active private and professional life, and protects the health care system from carrying the cost burden of expensive highly specialized services.