Eating out threat to diabetes
Tues March 24th, 2009
Eating out threat to diabetes Eating out and favourite foods are among the problems that put people with diabetes at risk, according to a new study.
Researchers found that patients reported not knowing what to do when offered inappropriate food during visits. And restaurants did not always understand their needs.
Nurses from Hong Kong and Northern Ireland worked together on the project, looking at studies involving nearly 9,000 patients in 28 countries.
They found that patients resented being told to give up their favourite foods - and suggest that professionals try to offer diets that include these foods.
Writing in the Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness, the researchers warn that high risk lifestyles can also be a problem - especially when there are behaviour disorders or mental illness.
Forgetting medication, lack of exercise and frustration with the disease were among other problems.
Researcher Professor Vivien Coates, of the University of Ulster, UK, said: "Our review found that there are various barriers to achieving optimal self-care in type 2 diabetes.
"Some stem from limitations within the healthcare team, some from ineffective communication between providers and patients and some from the patient's lack of empowerment, motivation and involvement in their treatment."
A three point plan for nurses centres on information, motivation and providing holistic care, the researchers conclude.
Professor Coates said: "Nurse need to address a number of key questions like what is important to the patient in terms of lifestyle changes and status quo and what patients would expect from the healthcare team.
"Understanding the barriers that prevent effective self-care from the perspective of both the patients and the healthcare provider is a vital part of this process."
Barriers to the self-care of type 2 diabetes from both patients' and providers' perspectives: literature review. Pun et al. Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness. 1, 4-19. (March 2009).
Tags: UK News | Diabetes | Diet & Food | Nursing & Midwifery | Asia
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