Quality Care for People with Diabetes

The DAWN study that was initiated in 17 countries in 2001 provided startling evidence that managing diabetes was more than just blood glucose reading and medications. Diabetes care must also focus on personal issues of the individual, the health system and how society views the condition of diabetes.The study identified that to improve the health and quality of life of people with diabetes, there should be

• Better communication between them and their healthcare providers 

• Better communication among healthcare professionals 

• Promotion of effective self - management skills for people living with diabetes.

• Improved psychological care for people with diabetes.

“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted” –Albert Einstein

Living with diabetes is not only about treatment and management, outcome and numbers, it also involves 

• How people with diabetes are coping 
• what is important to them
• The barriers they have to face every day while managing their condition and their life 
• Treating them with dignity and respect
• Listening carefully to what they say 
• Equipping them with the knowledge ,tools and relationships  with family friends and diabetes specialists for efficient self- management, health and well - being. 

A new needs model for diabetes.

People with diabetes should be able to cope with their condition and live a full healthy and productive life

Family and friends should provide emotional and practical support

Community should provide medical care and treatment, access to quality diagnosis, treatment, care, and information.

Lifestyle–People with diabetes should have the same opportunities to enjoy life as others.

Work/school – Show support for and understanding of the condition.

Society- a healthcare system, government and public willing to listen, change and be supportive of the condition.

The DAWN 2 study was initiated 10 years later with the goals of providing a better understanding and awareness of the potential impact that diabetes can have on the quality of life of people with diabetes and their family members.

It was found that people with diabetes

• Often find it difficult to accept, make and maintain life style changes,and
• Face some societal issues such as discrimination, intolerance, lack of community support and observance of rigid religious practices among others.

Results from India

India reported high scores on person centred care and strong support from family, community and healthcare teams,but scored poorly on self - monitoring, adherence and foot care. 

Indian respondents reported low participation in educational programs and very few people found participation useful. 

According to the study, areas that need to be dealt with include primary prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, and concerns about the risk of hypoglycemia. Also reported are the need for more diabetes educators and nurses, access to psychologists, and better communication within the healthcare team.