Patients are introduced to the diabetes specialist, who follows up with them on a regular basis. Bonding comes through the specialist being sort of the captain of the ship. He or she then empowers the dietitian or nurse educator to teach the patient about diet, home blood glucose monitoring, and other aspects of diabetes care. During the first visit, the patient also goes to the laboratory and the pharmacy, and for the next 2 days, he or she attends nurse or dietitian clinics.
Diabetes patients are givien very quick follow-up because it is important for them to see whether the treatment is working. If it isn’t, adherence drops. It is necessary to determine whether the treatment is working, and a program can be designed just for the individual patient. This makes the patients feel that they are partners in the team, helping to create the plan.
Most of the patients get intensified care initially, and that’s what creates the partnering and bonding. Diabetes specialist know that they can reasonably expect the patient to continue to do what they have asked the patient to do until the next visit.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Diabetes Care : Dealing with Depression
Did you know that up 20% or more of people with diabetes dealing with symptoms of depression? Today, we'd like to share techniques that people are using to move forward successfully.
These ideas were published by Dr. Joe Soloweijczyk in the ADA's Diabetes Spectrum journal. Although the journal is for helping doctors improve their treatment programs, we think you'll find the concepts valuable in your own thinking.
* Address the psychic toll of diabetes. Diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. Those that treat diabetes must understand that feeling the enormity of this task is part of a successful coping startegy.
* Acknowledge Feelings of Powerlessness. To move forward, one must accept that he cannot change the past. What's done is done.
* Accept Reality. If someone is powerless against something, it's not productive to fight it. It's important to accept reality and focus on the areas that you can control.
* Deal with Anger. Anger is a common and understandable part of dealing with diabetes. It's important to acknowledge the anger. It's also important to find ways to channel that energy into positive action and avoid self-defeating behavior.
* Face Fears. Clinicians should ask: "What things are you afraid of regarding your diabetes?" Fear can be interpreted as anger, denial, irresponsible management, frustration, or sadness. Simply verbalizing these fears is helpful. Diabetes is a chronic illness and acknowledging the fears that come with it is healthy and normal.
* Validate Frustration. It is important for clinicians to empathize with patients and give them space to express their emotions. It's not always about "fixing" a problem. Sometimes someone just needs their feelings validated and accepted to start the healing process.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you? We encourage you to start an open dialogue with yourself, your loved ones, and your medical team.
These ideas were published by Dr. Joe Soloweijczyk in the ADA's Diabetes Spectrum journal. Although the journal is for helping doctors improve their treatment programs, we think you'll find the concepts valuable in your own thinking.
* Address the psychic toll of diabetes. Diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. Those that treat diabetes must understand that feeling the enormity of this task is part of a successful coping startegy.
* Acknowledge Feelings of Powerlessness. To move forward, one must accept that he cannot change the past. What's done is done.
* Accept Reality. If someone is powerless against something, it's not productive to fight it. It's important to accept reality and focus on the areas that you can control.
* Deal with Anger. Anger is a common and understandable part of dealing with diabetes. It's important to acknowledge the anger. It's also important to find ways to channel that energy into positive action and avoid self-defeating behavior.
* Face Fears. Clinicians should ask: "What things are you afraid of regarding your diabetes?" Fear can be interpreted as anger, denial, irresponsible management, frustration, or sadness. Simply verbalizing these fears is helpful. Diabetes is a chronic illness and acknowledging the fears that come with it is healthy and normal.
* Validate Frustration. It is important for clinicians to empathize with patients and give them space to express their emotions. It's not always about "fixing" a problem. Sometimes someone just needs their feelings validated and accepted to start the healing process.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you? We encourage you to start an open dialogue with yourself, your loved ones, and your medical team.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Diabetes Diet - New Study Explains Link between Meat and Dairy and Increased Risk for Type 2
A new research report finds that diets high in saturated fats, especially from Western diet staples like meat and dairy products, can promote the development of Type 2 Diabetes. These foods can lead to the shortage of a single gene which may be responsible for the development of diabetes.
Researchers from UC San Diego School of Medicine have published a paper in which they have found that high fat diets can lead to GnT-4a enzyme deficiency. GnT-4a works with beta cells in the pancreas and to match blood glucose levels with the proper amount of insulin. In people with Type 2 diabetes, the GnT-4a enzyme is in short supply and a person’s blood sugars can rise to abnormal levels.
The findings in this study seem to strongly oppose diets that promote foods high in saturated fats. Therefore, I would recommend you avoid a low carb diet if it encourages you to eat a lot of bacon and eggs meals. It seems that a low carb diet can work for some people, but they should try to keep saturated fat within the recommended range (generally below 20 grams per day).
Interestingly, the Asian diet is often high in carbs (rice) and yet many people in Asia are not overweight. The more I read, the more confusing it all is. I have drawn a few conclusions from everything I have read:
1)Avoid trans fat
2)Eat only moderate amounts of saturated fat (below 20 grams/day)
3)Avoid sugary drinks, even if they are fruit juices
4)Eat a lot of vegetables (you can eat almost an unlimited amount)
5)Avoid most processed foods, especially if they have partially hydrogenated vegetable oil
6)Exercise! (not a dietary suggestion, but critical nevertheless)
Researchers from UC San Diego School of Medicine have published a paper in which they have found that high fat diets can lead to GnT-4a enzyme deficiency. GnT-4a works with beta cells in the pancreas and to match blood glucose levels with the proper amount of insulin. In people with Type 2 diabetes, the GnT-4a enzyme is in short supply and a person’s blood sugars can rise to abnormal levels.
The findings in this study seem to strongly oppose diets that promote foods high in saturated fats. Therefore, I would recommend you avoid a low carb diet if it encourages you to eat a lot of bacon and eggs meals. It seems that a low carb diet can work for some people, but they should try to keep saturated fat within the recommended range (generally below 20 grams per day).
Interestingly, the Asian diet is often high in carbs (rice) and yet many people in Asia are not overweight. The more I read, the more confusing it all is. I have drawn a few conclusions from everything I have read:
1)Avoid trans fat
2)Eat only moderate amounts of saturated fat (below 20 grams/day)
3)Avoid sugary drinks, even if they are fruit juices
4)Eat a lot of vegetables (you can eat almost an unlimited amount)
5)Avoid most processed foods, especially if they have partially hydrogenated vegetable oil
6)Exercise! (not a dietary suggestion, but critical nevertheless)
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