Diabetes mellitus is caused by deficiency or diminished effectiveness of insulin and is associated with inappropriately raised blood sugar, glycosuria (glucose in urine) and a variety of end-organ complications. Diabetes is usually irreversible and although patients can have a reasonably normal lifestyle, its late complications result in reduced life expectancy and major health risks [Kumar P and Clark M, 2002]. There are 2 types of diabetes; type 1 known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, prominently a disease of childhood and type 2 which is the non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus which is common in patients above 40years.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the major non-communicable diseases of public health concern and I actually did some research on it as a medical student. This particular study will focus on type 2 Diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). As there is no cure yet for diabetes, treatment modalities include drugs and dietary changes/restrictions which patients are usually required to comply with for the rest of their lives depending on the degree of blood sugar control attained.
Research objective:
To find out what the social and psychological burden of following a particular diet plan and continuous and compulsory use of prescribed medication is in diabetic patients.
Research: attitude of diabetic patients to diet restrictions and drug compliance.
Topics:
Causes of diabetes
Risk factors for diabetes
Medications and dietary changes in diabetes
Treatment modalities
Role of dietician and exercise
Effect of dietary changes.
Questions :
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
What mode of treatment do you use to control your blood sugar?
Do you take your drugs as prescribed (regularly)?
Do you have dietary restrictions?
How do you feel about your diet restrictions?
Do you think restrictions in your diet would help in treating illness.
How supportive are your family members in management of your illness.
