Diabetes Specialist Nurse - Individualised Diabetes Education and Support in the Community

Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease of high cost that becomes more prevalent worldwide. Approximately 425 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes globally, and this figure is expected to increase at 629 million by 2045, due to the increased life expectancy, unhealthy diet attitudes and sedentary lifestyle. However, raising awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of diabetes is undoubtedly important for its control and prevention. The complexity of the disease requires treatment by specialized health care professionals, including Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN). DSN, as a member of the multidisciplinary team for the education of individuals suffering from diabetes, makes a significant contribution in improving the patient’s quality of life. DSN provides patientcentered care which includes proper information, training in self-management and self-care as well as offering psychosocial support for both the individual and their family. After the patient’s discharge from the hospital, the DSN organizes a plan care for both the patient and his family to ensure that they are able to cope with the particular requirements of the disease and the possible complications. After the patient who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes is adjusted at his home, education in managing his diabetes, practicing self-care and integrating in the community is essential. Diabetes Education is the major component of the person’s treatment that will provide him with the ability to return to his daily activities. Diabetes education is a lifelong process and is personalized and tailored to meet each person’s needs, problems, desires and capabilities. This educational process, is implemented in three different age groups: (a) the child, (b) the adolescent, and (c) the adult or the elderly suffering from diabetes. Diabetes Education is undoubtedly a valuable tool for the management of the individual with diabetes, focusing on euglycemia, prevention of complications, adopting health behaviors and promoting compliance with the treatment.