The behavior of diabetics during treatment does not usually adjust to the requirements required by the Doctor at the time of consulting.This happens in part because the specialist and the patient think differently about disease complications.
This was demonstrated by a survey prepared by Novartis laboratory in six countries, through the “Time 2 Do More in Diabetes” program (time to do more for diabetes), in which 337 doctors and 652 people with insulin resistance participated,which revealed that 42% of those that are treated do not reach optimal glycemic control.
The results of the study are exalted within the framework of World Diabetes Day, to commemorate on November 14.It details that, although the exercise and the balanced diet are part of the management of type 2 diabetes, only 2 out of 5 patients make some physical activity, and only 51% strive to preserve their food plan.As for the understanding of their condition, 61% gave importance to the effective control of their glycemia, and 21% said they felt worried about developing cardiovascular problems in the future;while half of the respondents expressed fear of developing ophthalmological conditions associated with pathology.
To the latter Dr. Sandra Pino, medical manager for the cardiometabolic unit of Novartis, said "the results primarily verified that there is no correspondence between the severity perspective of diabetes as a disease that the doctor and the patient have, there is an important gap".
Very low sugar is the same or worse as very high sugar
Likewise, the Novartis study detected a ignorance that goes far beyond diagnosis, and has to do with the presence of some complication, as represented by hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.In the survey, only 2% of patients understand the risks of being able to be affected by this condition, which generates sweating, drowsiness, weakness, and even memory loss.
“Both the doctor and the patient understand the presence of cardiovascular, renal or vision risks that may occur.However, a complication as serious as hypoglycemia, the specialist seems to be the only one who understands it.We need to explain this more in the consultation, because this affection derived from diabetes can be lethal, ”Pino stressed.
not to clinical inertia
On the other hand, half of the specialists surveyed agreed that, using two or more therapies early helps to have better blood sugar control and reduce possible diabetes complications.Regarding this, the doctor explained the existence of a clinical inertia, to which she classified as a delay or lack of decision by the doctor when initiating or adapting a treatment.
“Clinical inertia should be reduced by establishing realistic and attainable goals by the patient, because the treatment is not imposed, adapts to the patient's needs.If diabetes are addressed from this point of view, it will be successful in the treatment, ”said the doctor.
Once the diagnosis is made, especially when it comes to type 2 diabetes, treatment requires effectiveness in compliance with changes in eating habits and lifestyle.For this reason, the endocrinologist also recommended the following: “Diabetes management must be multidisciplinary, where the patient is evaluated by an ophthalmologist, nephrologist, and endocrinologist.It is also necessary to have good empathy with the patient, because as he feels that his specialist is working according to his needs, he will meet the goals, ”he concluded.