Type 2 diabetes patients should be given option of self-monitoring

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the National Collaborating Center for Chronic Conditions released an updated guideline last week on managing type 2 diabetes. Research that went into the devised guidelines grouped 872 people with type 2 diabetes to formulate an understanding of their perception towards diabetes education. Numbers showed that 45% of diabetics wanted more information on managing their condition, and found that only 1 in 3 of these patients were offered information about formal education courses. In addition, two-thirds experienced frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia at least once a year.

The document suggests that patients receive individualized and ongoing nutritional advice from clinicians with specific expertise in nutrition. It also recommends people should be encouraged to maintain their individual glycosylated hemoglobin target unless the resulting side-effects impair their quality of life. The document offers diabetics the option of taking a more individually responsible approach to their condition, allowing for a better understanding of the disease and the chance to maintain it more effectively.

-As reported in the June issue of Nursing Standard

-By Greg Gargiulo