Self-Management

Never before have health care professionals had at their disposal the variety and efficacy of medications. Sulfonylureas, once the mainstay of type 2 diabetes mellitus management, have now been joined by many new medications that reduce insulin resistance and inhibit hepatic glucose production. Today’s glucose monitoring systems are less painful and patients have an endless choice of foods specifically produced for people with diabetes. Insurance companies even will reimburse patients who regularly exercise by offering discount memberships to health clubs. Despite the advances in medicine and technology, too many patients have HbA1cs over 8%. Complications of renal failure, amputations, and vascular diseases continue to plague persons with diabetes. Regardless of how advanced the science of diabetes management is, positive health outcomes will not occur without effective strategies to encourage patients to self-manage more effectively.