Which is most important for the successful management of diabetes mellitus?

Question

a. A network of community resources
b. The level of self-management
c. Preventative education
d. Frequent follow-up with the health care provider

Answer 1

ANS: B
Teaching patients to self-manage all aspects of their disease, including treatment modalities and preventing complications, is critical to patient success. Patients must be proficient in the entire therapeutic regimen—diet, activity level, blood or urine testing, medication, self-injection techniques, prevention of complications, and effective management of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. No outside source can overcome the failure of the patient to participate. Teaching the patient to prevent complications of his or her disease is important, but patient participation in managing the disease is crucial. No health care provider can overcome the failure of the patient to participate.