Health Education Outline and Objectives of the Proposal for Health Education in Diabetes in Young Adults
Diabetes of both types is affecting more population groups undermining their health. The prevalence of diabetes among young adults is increasing and carries more severe risks than in older age since prolonged exposure to the disease exacerbates complications and worsens the quality of life (Laskar et al., 2018). Education is the cornerstone of effective disease management for young adults with diabetes (Laskar et al., 2018). At the same time, educational programs need to consider the features of the group to which they are directed (Chatterjee et al., 2018). For young adults as a target population, it is crucial to pay special attention to psychological aspects and provide regular support due to difficulties arising in the transition from adolescence (Chatterjee et al., 2018). Thus, the features of the target group affect the content of educational programs.
What Should Patient Education Programs for Diabetes in Young Adults Include
Educational programs for young adults with diabetes should train them to manage the condition considering the period’s features. Programs should include a discussion of lifestyle in diabetes, particularly the necessary diet and physical activity (Chatterjee et al., 2018). Moreover, they should teach health monitoring of sugar levels, blood pressure, and other apsects (Chatterjee et al., 2018). Considering the legal and organizational aspects of the transition from pediatrics to adult care is crucial (Norton Children’s, 2022). Moreover, there is a transition from the care provided by parents to independence. Other issues that require attention are mental health and quality of life, including features of studying and employment (Toschi et al., 2022). Thus, programs for young adults should predominantly focus on the features of the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Patient Education Programs Benefits
Benefits of educational programs are in diabetes control and complication prevention. Programs also promote patient confidence in diabetes management, show wider opportunities, and improve their quality of life (Norton Children’s, 2022). For young adults, education facilitates the transition from adolescence, when care is predominantly the responsibility of parents, to adulthood and self-care (Toschi et al., 2022). As a consequence, educational programs on diabetes improve the physical and psychological health of young adults.
Example of a Diabetes Program
Various programs are aimed at helping young patients with diabetes. For example, the NDEP has been providing educational resources based on research on diabetes management for a long time (Siminerio et al., 2018). Researchers also tested different programs as part of their interventions for studies (Chatterjee et al., 2018). They may have a different orientation and format depending on the type of diabetes, the size and characteristics of the group, and the conduct format (Chatterjee et al., 2018). Healthcare institutions also offer their programs; for example, the Transition to Adult Diabetes (TAD) Program from Wendy Novak Diabetes Center is explicitly aimed at young adults (Norton Children’s, 2022). Therefore, patients can find the necessary programs for their needs.
References
Chatterjee, S., Davies, M. J., Heller, S., Speight, J., Snoek, F. J., & Khunti, K. (2018). Diabetes structured self-management education programmes: A narrative review and current innovations. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(2), 130-142.
Lascar, N., Brown, J., Pattison, H., Barnett, A. H., Bailey, C. J., & Bellary, S. (2018). Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(1), 69-80.
Norton Children’s. (2022). Health care providers can play a critical role in guiding young adults with diabetes and their families so they are equipped to make good decisions about their health. Web.
Siminerio, L. M., Albright, A., Fradkin, J., Gallivan, J., McDivitt, J., Rodríguez, B., Tuncer, D., & Wong, F. (2018). The National Diabetes Education Program at 20 years: Lessons learned and plans for the future. Diabetes Care, 41(2), 209-218.
Toschi, E., Mehta, S., Ritholz, M., & Laffel, L. (2022) Caring for young adults with diabetes in the adult care setting: Summary of a multidisciplinary roundtable. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare, 3, 1-8.