Please Respond To This Discussion Post: Adults With Ty

Please Respond To This Discussion Postpicotdo Adults With Type 2 Diabe

Please respond to this discussion post PICOT: Do adults with type 2 diabetes who attend ongoing education with family members compare to those who have limited education adhere to lifestyle changes more positively over the first year from diagnosis? Qualitative: Does the adult patient with type 2 diabetes experience lifestyle changes better when family support is given during the first year? Quantitative: Do regular family support classes help adults with type 2 diabetes lead to improved lifestyle changes over the 1st year of treatment compared to those with limited education?

Type 2 diabetes has become a significant health concern in the United States, with substantial implications for patient health and healthcare costs. According to Weller, Baer, Nash, and Perez (2017), diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and non-traumatic amputations. One of the critical factors influencing the management of this chronic condition is the level of support patients receive, particularly from family members, which can considerably impact their ability to implement and sustain lifestyle changes necessary for glycemic control.

Family involvement in diabetes management has been extensively studied, highlighting both positive and negative effects. Mayberry and Osborn (2012) emphasize that family members can facilitate or hinder self-care behaviors such as medication adherence, dietary modifications, and physical activity. For example, family members often assist with grocery shopping or medication management, playing a vital role in supporting lifestyle adjustments. Conversely, family dynamics can also contribute to stress or maladaptive behaviors that impair glycemic control.

Engaging family members in ongoing diabetes education programs is a promising strategy to enhance patient adherence to lifestyle modifications. Structured family support classes can serve as an intervention to educate not only patients but also their families about effective ways to support health behaviors. These educational sessions can improve communication, understanding, and collective effort towards achieving better health outcomes. While qualitative research explores patients' perceptions and experiences regarding family support, quantitative studies measure the measurable impact of such interventions on adherence and clinical outcomes.

Research suggests that patients who receive continued support from family members tend to experience better health outcomes. For instance, a study by Weller et al. (2017) points out that successful diabetes management involves psychological and social support systems. When families are actively engaged, patients are more likely to sustain lifestyle changes such as dietary plans, physical activity routines, and medication adherence over time. The integration of family-centered education programs could potentially lead to improved glycemic control and reduce diabetes-related complications.

However, challenges exist in implementing family-focused interventions. Cultural differences, family dynamics, and varying levels of health literacy can influence the effectiveness of these programs. Healthcare providers must tailor educational content to the needs of individual families, ensuring they are culturally sensitive and accessible. Incorporating behavioral change theories, such as the Social Cognitive Theory, can also enhance the design of family support interventions by emphasizing observational learning, self-efficacy, and reinforcement strategies.

Clinical practice guidelines support involving family members in diabetes care, recognizing their role in fostering behavioral changes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2023) recommends family involvement as part of comprehensive diabetes education, especially during the initial diagnosis period. Such strategies could potentially improve long-term adherence and health outcomes by leveraging social support systems.

In summary, evidence supports that ongoing family education can positively influence adults with type 2 diabetes in adopting and maintaining lifestyle changes. Combining qualitative insights into patient experiences with quantitative data measuring adherence and clinical outcomes can provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of family support interventions. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective educational strategies, considering cultural and individual differences, to optimize support systems and improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care, 46(Suppl 1), S1–S142.
• Mayberry, L., & Osborn, C. (2012). Family support, medication adherence, and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 35(8), 1654-1660.
• Weller, S., Baer, R., Nash, A., & Perez, N. (2017). Discovering successful strategies for diabetic self-management: A qualitative comparative study. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 5(1), e000308.
• Anderson, R. M., & Funnell, M. M. (2010). Patient empowerment: Myths and misconceptions. Patient Education and Counseling, 79(3), 277-282.
• Schoenthaler, A., Kurnpos, N., & Allegrante, J. P. (2018). Family interventions to improve glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2018, 1-15.
• Heisler, M. (2006). Building peer support programs to improve motivation and self-management for diabetes: Lessons from diabetes self-management programs. Diabetes Spectrum, 19(2), 88-94.
• Baig, A. A., & colleagues. (2020). Family-centered approaches to management of chronic illnesses in adults. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(3), 1200-1207.
• Thompson, M., et al. (2019). Culturally tailored diabetes education: A systematic review. Journal of Health Education Research & Development, 7(3), 188.
• Huang, L., et al. (2021). Strategies to optimize family involvement in diabetes management: A review. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 15(1), 65-71.
• Fisher, E. B., et al. (2014). Chronic disease management: A focus on patient-centered approaches. Patient Education and Counseling, 97(1), 6-11.