Diabetes UK advocates that all people with diabetes, whether recently diagnosed or those with pre-existing diabetes should receive the structured education and support they need to enable them to manage their own diabetes.
Diabetes is a life-long condition, which can have a profound impact on lifestyle, relationships, work, income, health, well being and life expectancy. Following a strict regime of medical treatment and self-care activities is critical for the length of survival of people with diabetes, since tight control of blood glucose reduces the risk of complications such as blindness, amputations, strokes and kidney failure. Self-management is key to good diabetes care and structured and ongoing patient education should be at the heart of any service.
April 2006
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