A review of the evidence on the role of the nurse in preventing type 2 Diabetes
TYPE 2 Diabetes,
a growing problem worldwide. Characterised by the body's ineffective synthesis of Insulin.
It can be prevented.
There is good evidence that a large number of cases and complications can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining normal body weight and tobacco avoidance.
This evidence is not widely implemented.
The WHO in its Diabetes Programme recommends that coordinated international and national policies are needed to reduce the exposure to risk factors and to improve access to care and quality of that care.
Locally this involves encouraging a risk assessment and identification of those at risk, and managing that risk in those affected, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
NICE has instigated a care pathway on management of T2, involving national training and accreditation for staff.
Routine use of risk score tools allow nurses to quickly and easily quantify Diabetes risk.
FINDRISC, a widely used and validated risk score tool
All high risk score patients should have opportunistic lifestyle management counselling and longterm prevention programmes initiated
Confirmatory blood tests if needed
Communicating the risk
How the risk is communicated to the patient is important and has an inpact on the future success of behaviour and lifestyle change programmes.
Structured Education
There is increasing evidence that group based education programmes are effective at promoting change. They are also more cost effective to the NHS than one to one counselling sessions.
DESMOND
Type 2 accounts for 90% of Diabetes cases worldwide
WHO predicts that the 2005 level will have doubled by 2030
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