The important role of family support for diabetes self-management

Recently, the rapid reproduction of the Violin spider in Cape Town, which would have been caused by a good rain and intense heat, was the latest scam to spread like wildfire on social media, causing significant concern and some panic.

This phenomenon of "false information" also applies to the panoply of miraculous remedies touted for chronic diseases that social media users now face almost daily. For example, recently, I received a WhatsApp message displaying the next miracle cure: "For diabetics, cut some okra, put them in a cup with water overnight, remove the next day and drink water … Diabetes Go ahead and your shots too Tested on humans, the results, according to the tests, are miraculous! A volunteer said that his blood sugar had decreased by 16 to 8. Share this, it would help a lot !!. "

Healthy health tips

Such examples draw attention to the significant dangers of false health information: miracle cures, magic diets, and untested herbal remedies are continually being broadcast (and rebroadcast!) On social media platforms. Its far-reaching tentacles now reach the most remote communities and families.

This year, the World Diabetes Day of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (November 14th) focuses on the family: "Diabetes affects all families: can you spot the warning signs?" This raises the intriguing question of whether families can really play a meaningful role in countering false health information and simultaneously provide sound health advice and support to parents with diabetes.

Previous research has shown that strong family support can indeed play a positive role in helping diabetic patients better manage their blood sugar, manage stress and depression and encourage the adoption of better modes of life.

A good starting point for family involvement is to better understand the nature of the disease, for example. risk factors and symptoms. This empowerment process should include the search for appropriate information from reputable and reputable experts and / or professional bodies such as IDF and others.

Well-informed people will then be able to play a crucial role in combating fake health news messages that are broadcast on social media, especially in family discussion groups. This approach can also help prevent serious complications that may result from the implementation of non-diabetic counseling. In this case, it is vital to become aware of the need to check all health information on social media platforms. In addition to specialized websites of professional organizations, you can also visit larger sites such as snopes.com and / or hoax-slayer.

Increasing global burden

As one in two people living with diabetes has not yet been diagnosed, a better understanding of well-known symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, lack of energy, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, and numbness of feet and feet. hands should help to better deal with this problem. Informed family members can also provide the emotional support needed, encourage activities to reduce stress / depression, and promote better lifestyles for the well-being of their loved ones with diabetes.

It should be noted that 80% of diabetes cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle – adequate exercise and physical activity as well as a balanced nutritional intake. For example, several studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of future diabetes onset and is also associated with better control of blood glucose; it's a good starting point.

Interpersonal relationships are crucial

Family members can also provide hands-on assistance, such as assisting with insulin injections and / or transportation for doctor's appointments, as needed. Ideally, this support should be shared equitably among family members to ultimately ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the patient and to limit the occurrence of stressful situations. However, there needs to be realism in setting goals for lifestyle changes to continue, and advising family members should not be overly ambitious as this could lead to stress. and potential conflicts.

Is diabetes still a concern for World Diabetes Day 2018? The answer is unfortunately a "yes!" Resounding. Here, the continued adoption of more sedentary lifestyle choices, insufficient dietary intake and increased stress continue to contribute significantly to the growing burden of diabetes worldwide. Future projections also indicate that developing countries, including South Africa, will be hardest hit, which will have a significant impact on the general health of the population, the rising costs of health care and its final impact on economic growth and development.

Concerted efforts (as mentioned above) are needed to counter these disturbing statistics and projections. It is interesting to note that Harvard's 80-year adult development study found that interpersonal relationships are closely related to longevity and happiness. It is therefore a timely moment to endorse the theme of IDF, which is to focus on the role of family relationships in improving self-management by diabetic patients and in promoting their physical well-being. and emotional.

(Professor Faadiel Essop is a tenured professor in the Department of Physiological Sciences of the University of Stellenbosch and current president of the Society of Physiology of Southern Africa.)

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