Diabetic patients inspire family members, according to a study -
Better results can be achieved, if the family members are supported to help their relatives with diabetes, according to the study DAWN2 with an analysis led by a Penn State College of Medicine researcher.
in DAWN2 study-a large-scale survey of the family members of adults with diabetes in 17 countries, researchers examined the experiences and unmet needs of people with diabetes and their family members and health care providers. Previous research has shown that family members help adults manage their diabetes, and that this support has a role in diabetes outcomes.
Back to DAWN2, published in 2014, showed that patients with experience of psychological and social challenges diabetes, but that community support helps people cope. In the conclusions, the researchers describe how diabetes affects the way of life - and the relationship -. The person with diabetes and the members of the family more involved with their care
Qualitative analysis is a way to examine non-measurable data for example, the view of a patient - and how to provide an overview of a problem by discovering the reasons and underlying motivations. More than 2,000 families of adults participated in an Internet, phone or in person inquiry. Two thirds of the participants were women and most were of a spouse, partner or parent or an adult with diabetes type 1 or type 2. The researchers published their findings in diabetes research and clinical practice
the researchers identified four themes :.
• Family members concerned about the struggles daily to the person with diabetes, including concerns regarding the events of sugar in the blood and the stability of employment.
• Diabetes causes emotional tension in the relationship between members of the family and the person with diabetes.
• the family members believe they have some resources support to meet the expenses and lifestyle changes of diabetes, but they want more.
• The family members are inspired by the experience of their relatives living with diabetes and they can feel motivated to eat healthier.
"This research reveals the nature and extent of what it is to live with a person with diabetes," said Heather Stuckey, assistant professor at Penn State College of Medicine, and lead research qualitative. "the biggest challenge we have identified family members is that there is a constant concern for the person. It is in the background as an application that is still running. "
The positive factors were also identified.
" the most positive thing we found was that the person with diabetes inspired the members of their family, "said Stuckey. "Family members have indicated that the resilience of people with diabetes was amazing. They said: "I'm so proud of them to cope with the disease. "
Stuckey said the results may influence decision-makers in the 17 countries affiliated with the study and the International Diabetes Federation.
" We hope that each country will take the data and change its policies, "Stuckey said. "For example, the United States, we hope that the importance of including family members in training sessions will be recognized and will be covered by medical insurance. This can help family members feel better informed and closer to their relatives living with diabetes. "
Meanwhile, doctors who treat patients with diabetes can learn from the study.
" Although changes monumental policy does not happen, we hope to physicians and other health care providers say "There is something very simple, I can do - invite a family member to accompany the person with diabetes in their visits medical ' "said Stuckey
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