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Diabetes Info
MAIN MESSAGES FOR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OF PEOPLE WITH
DIABETES
The data analyses show that, irrespective of age, type of
diabetes, duration of diabetes and
ethnicity, knowledge/information about diabetes among people
with diabetes is a powerful
predictor of their perceptions of their illness and the quality
of services they receive. Findings from
the data are consistent with those from the free style comments.
Both show unequivocally that:
· People with diabetes who have higher knowledge/information
levels about diabetes feel
more in control of their diabetes than those less well informed
· They feel less threatened and restricted by their
diabetes
· Many people with diabetes feel that more knowledge/information
is empowering
· There are inequalities in levels of knowledge/information
about diabetes
· Many people with diabetes have inadequate access
to information, some to even the basic
facts
· Inadequate knowledge/information can lead to fear,
stress, depression
· Many people with diabetes need and want more information
about diabetes
· Many people want more information about their own
diabetes in order to understand and
control it better (empowerment)
· Ethnic minorities have lower levels of and access
to knowledge/information about diabetes.
The main message therefore is that information for people
with diabetes should be a priority for
diabetes services. In particular:
· There needs to be more awareness of diabetes and
its complications in the general
population.
· People with diabetes should have access to more information
about diabetes in all forms:
verbal, written, interpersonal communication with doctors/nurses,
and interaction with other
people with diabetes, etc.
· Some aspects on which users want more information
are:
diabetes, its complications, the risk factors and the opportunities
for prevention
diabetes and pregnancy
annual reviews/check-ups and what to expect
blood pressure and blood glucose levels and control (what
is BP/HbA1c, thresholds, why the
need for control)
symptoms of hypoglycaemia and what to do if it occurs
different types of insulin, how insulin works
diet
other illness concurrent with diabetes
diabetes and health problems associated with getting older
what to do in an emergency eg if blood glucose falls too low
who to contact in an emergency
new treatments and developments in diabetes management
entitlements eg free prescriptions, Viagra, entitlements for
those on income support
diabetes and insurance
· Information needs to be clear and consistent.
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