Diabetic patient education

Patient : Ok, so I’ve been diagnosed with type II diabetes. But what exactly it is ?

HCP : It is characterized by insulin resistance or a relative lack of insulin production. Genetics and environment are triggering factors, with the latter implying obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle. This usually happens in late adulthood.

Patient : You told me we’d be implementation a TPE ?

HCP : TPE, which is Therapeutic Patient Education, helps patients acquire or maintain the skills they need to manage their life in the best possible way.

Patient : Does this mean that I won’t be able to go about my daily activities anymore ?

HCP : No. But you need to comply with healthy lifestyle and your therapy program.

Patient : I’m all ears, then !

HCP : Ok. So, tell me, are you comfortable with mobile technology devices ?

Patient : Yes, I do use an iPad.

HCP : Great. This makes me give you the educational resources through apps. So, now we’ll focus on your objectives and what you need to know.

Patient : I suppose I have to adapt my diet !

HCP : Exactly. You have to maintain a healthy weight, which means you also have to eat healthy and in moderate amounts. For example, watch your portion sizes, especially when eating out ; and eat slowly ; add satisfying, protein-rich foods to all meals and make half of your dishes with vegetables.

Patient : It’s all about food then ?

HCP : Partly true, in that you have to choose lean and low-fat foods ; eat unprocessed, high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits and veggies ; bake or grill lean meats ; use fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt ; use as little added sugar as possible each day ; and less fat and or oil when cooking and baking. But you also have to stop smoking and avoid alcohol.

Patient : And can I go about my routine as before ?

HCP : Sure. And you must exercise regularly. For instance, you can go out for a walk 30 minutes a day, take a dance class, relax with yoga, garden…

Patient : What about the medical side of it ?

HCP : The most important thing to do is to control your ABCs. The “A” for A1C, which is a blood test that shows what the average of your blood sugar level has been during the last few months. The “B” for blood pressure, which is as important as controlling your blood sugar to avoid heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. And the “C”, cholesterol, which is another factor that increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious problems.

Patient : But isn’t my blood sugar the most important thing ?

HCP : Yes, but along the recommendations I’ve just told you about ; otherwise, you might be prone to vision loss, nerve damage that can cause numbness or pain in the hands and feet. But serious diabetes, if not controlled may lead to have toes, fingers, or other body parts removed by surgery, that is amputated.

Patient : So, how can I control my ABCs ?

HCP : Just keep a healthy life with adapted food and sport, and comply with the precribed medication.