People with type 2 diabetes can benefit from diabetes self-management education (DSME) and it does not need
to be taught by certified diabetes educators. If done correctly and
people with type 2 diabetes will learn, the internet can be a great
place to learn and sharpen diabetes management skills.
Self-management of diabetes, includes
medication, nutrition (food plan), and lifestyle strategies. This is
essential for optimal glycemic control and minimizing complications
of the diabetes. Education to teach and improve self-management
skills is critical for success and, when delivered via the Internet,
can lead to better glycemic control and enhanced diabetes knowledge
compared to usual care.
“Katherine Pereira, DNP, Beth
Phillips, MSN, Constance Johnson, PhD, and Allison Vorderstrasse
DNSc, Duke University School of Nursing (Durham, NC), review various
methods of delivering diabetes education via the Internet and compare
their effectiveness in improving diabetes-related outcomes. In the
article "Internet Delivered Diabetes Self-Management Education:
A Review," the authors describe some of the benefits of this
method of educating patients, including ease of access and the
ability to self-pace through the materials.”
DSME delivered via the Internet is
effective at improving measures of glycemic control and diabetes
knowledge compared with usual care. In addition, results demonstrate
that improved eating habits and increased attendance at clinic
appointments occur after the online DSME. The researchers discovered
that engagement and usage of Internet materials waned over time.
Interventions that included an element of interaction with healthcare
providers were seen as attractive to participants.
Internet-delivered diabetes education
has the added benefit of easier access for many individuals, and
patients can self-pace themselves through materials. More research
on the cost-benefits of Internet diabetes education and best methods
to maintain patient engagement are needed, along with more studies
assessing the long-term impact of Internet-delivered DSME.
I commend the individuals involved for
realizing that the Internet could help with diabetes self-management
education. The increasing numbers of people with diabetes is
resulting in limited availability and access to diabetes care
services. This includes access to certified diabetes educators. It
is estimated that there is about one certified diabetes educator per
1,400 patients with diabetes in the United States. Because of the
many factors limiting access to diabetes education, innovative
delivery methods for DSME will need to be developed. One potential
avenue that has been studied over the last decade for addressing the
reach and accessibility of DSME is the use of Internet-based
interventions.
DSME as a vital component of the care
of patients with diabetes and the ADA recommends that DSME be
provided for every patient at the time of diagnosis of diabetes and
as needed thereafter. Despite these recommendations and the proven
effectiveness of DSME, many patients with diabetes never receive DSME
or any form of diabetes education.
If the future plans of the American
Association of Diabetes Educators come to fruition, then there may be
some hope. With the Academy of Certified Diabetes Educators staying
with the exclusive idea that they are the only ones capable of
providing diabetes education, we cannot expect any help from them.
The full copy of the report is
available to read here until November 6 and then it goes behind a pay wall.
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