Question

Explain why psychological, cultural, and spiritual aspects are important to consider for a patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes. Describe how support can be offered in these respective areas as part of a plan of care for the patient. Provide examples.

Answer 1

Diabetes is a long term or a chronic health condition which needs multiple factors to be kept in line for effective control and, maintenance of the blood sugar level.

In addition to diet,exercise and medication ,psychological, cultural and spiritual aspects are important. The reasons are

• A psychologically disturbed patient even with stress ,anger,anxiety and other mental health conditions can aggravate the blood sugar level greatly.For instance a patient if having depression will not be able to follow tthr treatment regimen and keep his blood sugar under control.
  • So it has to be managed by providing proper psychological support
  • Encouraging to participate in meditation, yoga,relaxation techniques
  • Explain the disease condition and its management with lifestyle changes
• Culture plays a vital role in the management of the disease. People from certain race,ethnicity and culture has an increased risk of diabetes due to their believes and practices. For instance African Americans are at greater risk of Diabetes
  • Provide a cultural competent care
  • Diabetic educator should communicate things in the most understandable way and related to their culture
  • Getting appropriate and adequate feedback as a matter 9f respect and dignity and helping patients and family members to actively participate in the treatment
• Spiritual beliefs us the first and last approach of a patient in handling a disease. For instance when the patient is first diagnosed with diabetes they get anger towards the God that why have they got it and at the end seeking help to gain emotional strength and inner peace for keeping it in control
  • Encourage patient to participate in spiritual activities on regular basis
  • Do not argue or speak against when the patient describes their thought over spirituality