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Diabetes Management and Self-Care Insights

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance, with Type 1 and Type 2 being the main classifications. The global prevalence of diabetes has surged, particularly in Asia, with lifestyle factors significantly contributing to Type 2 DM. In Kerala, known as the 'diabetes capital of India,' self-care practices are crucial for managing diabetes and reducing complications, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

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8 views1 page

Diabetes Management and Self-Care Insights

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance, with Type 1 and Type 2 being the main classifications. The global prevalence of diabetes has surged, particularly in Asia, with lifestyle factors significantly contributing to Type 2 DM. In Kerala, known as the 'diabetes capital of India,' self-care practices are crucial for managing diabetes and reducing complications, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

Uploaded by

advaitbk
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by chronic


hyperglycemia , resulting from a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors. The
underlying cause of diabetes is either deficient production or action of insulin, a hormone that
regulates glucose, fat, and amino acid metabolism. Diabetes is a long-term disease with variable
clinical manifestations and progression. Chronic hyperglycemia associated with diabetes leads to
several complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, and
retinopathy.

Diabetes mellitus is classified into two main types: Type 1 and Type 2 [1]

• Type 1 DM is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1% of the


population in developed countries. It results from the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in
the pancreas, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.

• Type 2 DM is primarily caused by insulin resistance, coupled with inadequate insulin secretion. It is
the predominant form of diabetes, affecting approximately 85% of the adult diabetic population. [2]

The prevalence of diabetes has surged globally, quadrupling over the past three decades, making DM
one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Currently, approximately 1 in 11 adults worldwide
has diabetes, with Type 2 DM accounting for 90% of cases. Asia is a major hotspot for the diabetes
epidemic, with China and India being the top two contributors to the global burden. While genetic
predisposition plays a role in Type 2 DM, poor lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy diet and sedentary
behaviour, significantly contribute to the increasing incidence. However, lifestyle modifications,
including maintaining a healthy weight, can effectively prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its
complications.[3]

Self-care in diabetes management encompasses a set of behavioural practices that enable individuals
to control their disease and mitigate complications. Effective self-management strategies include
maintaining a healthy body weight, following a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity,
avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.[4]

Rationale of the Study


Kerala is often referred to as the “diabetes capital of India,” with a significantly high prevalence of
diabetes. Recent prospective studies estimate that the cumulative incidence of Type 2 DM in Kerala is
21.9%, while the incidence of prediabetes stands at 36.7%. Given this high burden, self-care plays a
critical role in controlling diabetes and reducing its complications. A study assessing the extent of
self-care practices among individuals with diabetes can provide valuable insights into effective
interventions. Promoting self-care is a simple yet impactful strategy that can help reduce disease
burden, improve quality of life, and prevent long-term complications associated with diabetes. [5]

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