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

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

Patient : And you told me we’d be implementation a TPE. I don’t quite understand that !

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. Therefore, you need to comply with a healthy lifestyle and your therapy program. Now, 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 : Therefore, I suppose I have to adapt my diet !

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

Patient : Is it all about food then ?

HCP : Well, partly. You need to choose lean and low-fat foods ; eat unprocessed, high-fiber foods like whole grains, veggies and fruits at the end of the meals ; bake, broil 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 or oil when cooking and baking. But you also have to stop smoking and avoid alcohol.

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

HCP : Sure. But you must exercise regularly. For instance, you can go out for a walk about 30 minutes a day, take a dance class, relax with yoga, gardening, or the like.

Patient : What about the medical side of it ?

HCP : The most important thing 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, in order 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 I thought that blood sugar is the most important thing, isn’t it ?

HCP : Yes, but along with the recommendations I’ve just told you about. Serious diabetes, if not controlled, may lead to vision loss and nerve damage that can cause numbness or pain in the hands and feet, and even worse, to amputation of body extremities.

Patient : So, how can I control my ABCs ?

HCP : As I’ve just said, keep a healthy life style with adapted food and physical activities, and comply with the medication that the doctor has prescribed.