Chronic illnesses have become an important health issue of focus in the contemporary context. Many people are suffering with various illnesses with some patients experiencing death prematurely due to lack of adequate care. Diabetes is one of the most prominent chronic illness affecting individuals and families in diversified ways. This is one illness that can be detected by screening and can occur in a patient who has another condition that demands attention. With adequate care and health promotion endeavors, however, it is possible for a patient with diabetes to lead a quality life and prolong his or her lifespan.
Health promotion is one of the endeavors that can be utilized in improving the health well-being of a patient who has diabetes and also ensuring that the family members overcome the challenges involved in dealing with the condition. In alignment with the eudaimonistic model of health promotion, healthcare practitioners can help the patient and the family to reach their full potential despite experiencing various challenges in the course of dealing with the illness. Support is the most important ingredient of this model and one that enables the family to feel less burdened by the illness of their loved one. With support, the patient is also in a position to follow the prescriptions by the physician and also overcome the challenges associated with the burden of the illness (Baig, Benitez, Quinn & Burnet, 2015). Healthcare practitioners are also tasked with guiding the patient and the family members on the best practices that can enhance the well-being of the patient while ensuring that each member plays his or her role in the endeavors of daily life rather than putting all the focus on the illness (Kaakinen, Gedaly-Duff, Coehlo & Hanson, 2010). In alignment with the role-performance model, each family member should be in a position to engage in routine tasks and developmental undertakings, other than participating in the disease management process (Kaakinen, et al., 2010). The inclusion of family members in the management of the illness ensures that the patient adheres to all medications and control of blood sugar is also boosted. This participation also enables the patient to feel a sense of belonging which is critical to the quality of life of the patient.
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Diabetes education emerges as one way through which to empower the patient to participate in the disease-management process. Education is also one of the health promotion strategies utilized in the management of various illnesses and also in prevention endeavors. Where healthcare practitioners commit themselves to the dissemination of critical information related to a chronic illness, the patient becomes a partner in managing the illness rather than a passive recipient of the medical advice and the associated prescriptions (Cooper, Gill & Booth, 2013). Education is also a means to ensuring the participation of family members in the well-being of the patient while at the same time offering knowledge on how to prevent a similar condition among other family members. Taking into consideration that diabetes is a condition founded on an individual’s unhealthy lifestyle and behavioral trend (Tol, Alhani, Shojaeazadeh, Sharifirad & Moazam, 2015), the role of education is critical to every family member to ensure that they are exposed to the meaning of a healthy lifestyle and behavioral trends that promote health well-being.
Physical activity is considered a major strategy in the management of various illnesses, including diabetes (Ricci-Cabello, et al., 2013). Poor lifestyle entails the negligence of physical exercises and activity, a factor that also boosts the chance for cardiovascular illnesses. A patient with diabetes should be encouraged to engage in physical activity as a way of improving health and ensuring smooth flow of blood. Other family members should also be encouraged to undertake physical activity as a preventive measure for various chronic illnesses and body fitness. Physical activity has particularly been credited for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, management of one’s body weight, reduction of the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, and the improvement of cognitive abilities (Victoria State Government, 2017). Physical exercises are also encouraged as a way of ensuring the functioning of the various body systems, including the nervous system, the respiratory, and digestive system, among others. It is the best and simplest way of ensuring one’s wellness and healthy lifestyle. As such, the idea of engaging in physical activity is collective as it should involve everyone, irrespective of the health status. Those whose health is in good condition should be encouraged to exercise as their participation also gives morale to the patient.
In conclusion, diabetes is one of the chronic conditions that one can anticipate at any point in life, particularly due to unhealthy lifestyle and behavioral trends. The world is grappling with the challenge of reducing the rates of diabetes which is also a killer disease and one that can be prevented through various means. Health promotion emerges as one of the ways through which to assist the patients of diabetes and their families. Supporting the patient and offering guidance on the best practices of keeping fit entail health promotion. Diabetes education is also critical to ensuring that the patient gets appropriate care and others in the family take caution to ensure the reduction of chances of becoming diabetic. Sensitizing the patient and family members is another means through which to maintain the health well-being and sustain the wellness that everyone desires.
References
Baig, A. A., Benitez, A., Quinn, M. T., & Burnet, D. L. (2015). Family interventions to improve diabetes outcomes for adults. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1353 (1), 89-112. Doi: 10.111/nyas.12844
Cooper, H. C., Booth, K., & Gill, G. (2013). Patients’ perspectives on diabetes healthcare education. Health Education Research, 18 (2), 191-206. Doi: 10.1093/her//18.2.191
Kaakinen, J. R., Gedaly-Duff, V., Coehlo, D. P., & Hanson, S. M. (2010). Family health care nursing: Theory, practice & research (4 th Ed.). USA: Joanne Patzek DaCunha.
Ricci-Cabello, I., Ruiz-Perez, I., Nevot-Cordero, A., Rodriguez-Barranco, M., Sordo, L. & Goncalves, D. C. (2013). Healthcare interventions to improve the quality of diabetes care in African Americans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Care, 36 (3), 760-768. Doi: 10.2337/dc12-1057
Tol, A., Alhani, F., Shojaeazadeh, D., Sharifirad, G. & Moazam, N. (2015). An empowering approach to promote the quality of life and self-management among type 2 diabetic patients. J Educ Health Promot, 4 (13). Doi: 10.4103/2277-9531.154022
Victoria State Government (2017). Physical activity – it’s important. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/physical-activity-its-important
