Diabetes Self-Management in Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

For medically, socially, or economically vulnerable populations, diabetes self-management in daily life may be difficult due to trouble accessing healthcare and social, economic, and cultural barriers associated with poverty. Doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers meet various patients from vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income single-person households) in clinical settings. However, there has been a lack of discussion on the characteristics and needs of vulnerable patients with diabetes and relevant interventions. The purpose of this study is, first, to examine the characteristics and psychosocial difficulties of low-income single-person households, and second, to discuss ways to support diabetes selfmanagement.