First of all, Alex’s age indicates that he is at risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Based on the information presented, it is possible to conclude that his feelings of uncertainty and powerlessness derive from a 5-year disease history. Two years before the diagnosis, he had symptoms of hyperglycemia, when blood glucose records indicated values of 6.5-7.0 mmol/l. However, these indicators were described only as ones indicative of ‘borderline diabetes’. This vague description and the lack of a coherent disease prevention plan contributed to the feeling of uncertainty.
Furthermore, Alex does not understand the connection between family factors and type 2 diabetes. Most likely, his parents did not receive appropriate treatment and, therefore, Alex was not aware of this risk factor. He also believes that only eating sweets influences the condition, whereas a well-balanced, healthy diet does not imply complete sugar avoidance. Hence, he assumes there is no need to check glucose levels because doctors already know that his sugar levels are high. In addition, Alex’s wife attempts to treat suspected diabetes with natural components, and weight-loss supplements amplified his doubts.
The feeling of powerlessness comes from an inability to lose weight despite doing physical exercises. Alex has gained 10kg and has been unable to lose more than 2kgs after retiring. As a result, his Body Mass Index accounts for 35, which puts him in the obese category. Even though he is taking prescribed medication to keep cholesterol levels under control, he does not know exactly how it helps him avoid complications. Consequently, Alex feels powerless to find out the reasons behind type 2 diabetes and opportunities to adjust to the lifestyle.
Older Adults with Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious health condition that can significantly reduce the quality of life, especially for older adults. First of all, adults, especially women with diabetes, are more likely to suffer from disability (Koye, Shaw, and Magliano, 2017). Secondly, older people diagnosed with diabetes are at risk of acquiring cognitive impairments, such as dementia or memory loss (Bruce et al., 2009). Finally, there are social aspects, including the absence of caregivers among family members that can provide support.
That is why it is crucial to connect patients at risk of becoming handicapped with diabetes educators to take prevention measures. Early detection screenings are necessary to determine whether an individual is prone to developing cognitive disabilities. Staff at care facilities has to be trained to meet the needs of older adults with diabetes (Tran et al., 2016). Australian national strategy has set a goal to reduce the occurrence of diabetes-related complications (Department of Health, 2015). It includes improving local prevention programs, using social marketing campaigns, and advancing workforce capabilities.
Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
The Healthcare and emotional needs of young adults are different from those of older adults and children. Young people with type 1 diabetes experience anxiety and have depressive symptoms that relate to the fear of hypoglycemia and inconsistent blood glycose monitoring (Rechenberg, Whittemore, and Grey, 2017). The transitional puberty stage changes the social environment and affects youth behavior, thus, leading to disease stigmatization. Youngsters face rejection and negative judgment coming through various sources, such as individuals, groups, and media (Brazeau et al., 2018). Therefore, it is vital to implement programs that address the needs of youth with type 1 diabetes.
The primary objective of care providers is to assist in transitioning to adult care treatment plants to ensure positive outcomes. It has been proved that Australian adolescents can achieve resilient outcomes through self-management behaviors (Hilliard et al., 2017). However, Youngsters need help from medical professionals to underscore priorities and identify small and achievable goals. Australian national strategy focuses on expanding self-management programs for adolescents. It also proposes steps to encourage primary healthcare services by incorporating digital tools.
Reference List
Brazeau, A.S. et al. (2018) ‘Stigma and its association with glycemic control and hypoglycemia in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: cross-sectional study’, Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(4). p. 151. Web.
Bruce, D.G. et al. (2009) ‘Severe hypoglycaemia and cognitive impairment in older patients with diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study’, Diabetologia, 52(9), p.1808-1815.
Department of Health (2015) Australian national diabetes strategy. Web.
Hilliard, M.E. et al. (2017) ‘Strengths, risk factors, and resilient outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: results from Diabetes MILES Youth–Australia’, Diabetes Care, 40(7), pp. 849-855.
Koye, D.N., Shaw, J. E., and Magliano, D. J. (2017) ‘Diabetes and disability in older Australians: the Australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle (AusDiab) study’, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 126, pp. 60-67.
Rechenberg, K., Whittemore, R. and Grey, M. (2017) ‘Anxiety in youth with type 1 diabetes’, Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 32, pp. 64-71.
Tran, D.T., et al. (2016) ‘Variation in the use of primary care services for diabetes management according to country of birth and geography among older Australians’, Primary Care Diabetes, 10(1), pp.66-74.