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Diabetics need ongoing support following diagnosis, study finds

Category: Diabetes

In order to deal with the constant rigors of blood testing and other aspects of disease management, diabetics require several informational sessions with their primary care physician following their diagnosis, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Leicester in the UK pointed out that many diabetics only have one session with their physicians after they are diagnosed. This is intended to help prepare individuals for the realities of living with the condition, but it appears not to be enough.

In the study, the researchers assessed the health of a group of diabetics 12 months and then again three years after their initial diagnosis. The team also surveyed the participants about how much time their physician spent explaining their condition to them.

The results showed that all participants had roughly the same HbA1c, lifestyle, medication use, depression and quality of life scores after the first 12 months. However, individuals who received the most counseling immediately after their diagnosis were more likely to maintain good health in all these areas after three years than those who only received one session from their doctor.