AN OVERVIEW ON DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease that requires long-term care since it involves major changes in both physical and psychosocial dimension of each patient. Diabetes education is a critical element of care that improves patient outcomes. Aim: the aim of the present study was to review the literature about the education in diabetes mellitus management. Method: the method of this study included bibliographic research of the literature from reviews and researches, mainly in the pubmed data base, which referred to education in diabetes mellitus management. Pubmed was searched using the following key search terms: “diabetes mellitus”, “self-management”, “education” while the research covered the period 1999-2012. Results: according to the literature, education should not be a mere transmission of information, but a dynamic, holistic, planned care based on individual’s needs (patient-centred approach). Furthermore, education promotes self-management and health-related behaviour modification. Moreover, education should be consistent with individual’s learning skills and psychosocial state. Diabetes education should be reinforced after its' completion and enhance in depth understanding of the significance of check-up and follow-up. Last but not least effective education requires good communication among diabetic patients and health professionals. Conclusions: the overall goal of diabetes education is to help individuals and their families gain the necessary knowledge, life skills, resources and support needed to achieve optimal health. The chronic metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus is a fast-growing global problem with huge social, health, and economic consequences. It is estimated that in 2010 there were globally 285 million people (approximately 6.4% of the adult population) suffering from this disease. This number is estimated to increase to 430 million in the absence of better control or cure. An ageing population and obesity are two main reasons for the increase. Furthermore it has been shown that almost 50% of the putative diabetics are not diagnosed until 10 years after onset of the disease, hence the real prevalence of global diabetes must be astronomically high. This chapter introduces the types of diabetes and diabetic complications such as impairment of immune system, periodontal disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, somatic and autonomic neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases and diabetic foot. Also included are the current management and treatments, and emerging therapies.