Diabetes is a medical condition where people cannot produce enough insulin or their body cannot adequately use the insulin it has produced. Insulin is the
hormone that controls the level of glucose, which is a form of sugar, in the bloodstream by regulating its movement into your cells. Insulin is necessary because glucose is a main source of energy for the body's cells. The human body can produce glucose or get it from food. Diabetes mellitus is becoming a global
health concern due to its
prevalence and projected growth. Despite a growing number of interventions for secondary prevention of diabetes, there is a persistent poor glycemic control and poor adherence to the prescribed
diabetes management regimen. In light of the tremendous costs of
diabetes to both individuals and the society, it is pressing to find effective ways to improve
diabetes self-management (DSM) and treatment adherence. Occupational therapists can bring values to the
diabetes care team by evaluating multiple levels of influence on DSM, addressing personal and environmental barriers to well-being and DSM, and supporting patients to develop of a highly complex competences and skills to satisfactorily self-manage diabetes. This article summarizes two evidence-based, well-structured occupational therapy (OT) programs that use activity-based treatments and psychosocial strategies, respectively, to improve DSM abilities and to enhance quality of life. As the needs of
adolescents with
diabetes are quite different from other diabetic populations, this article also provides a summary of pediatric OT interventions that aim to facilitate autonomy and development of DSM ability among
adolescents with diabetes. Evidence indicates that OT interventions can improve the
quality of life and treatment adherence in patients with
diabetes and hence should be continued and built on to address the increasing needs of diabetic populations.
Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences