Patient empowerment and optimal glycemic control

Abstract

Patients with T2DM who are empowered with knowledge about their disease and treatment can take an active role in their diabetes care, and therefore, are more likely to achieve blood glucose and A1C goals, which can slow progression of their disease and the onset of complications. Although concentrating solely on medical information and physiological facts does not guarantee patient empowerment and self-management, educational strategies such as interactive teaching, problem solving and individualized education can have a positive impact. Insulin titration algorithms can empower patients to manage their therapy, and such algorithms are simple to use for patients treated with insulin analogs. As patients with T2DM become empowered by knowledge and gain more control of their disease, their physicians must then serve as their advisors rather than as their directors or prescribers.

Subject‐driven titration of biphasic insulin aspart 30 twice daily is non‐inferior to investigator‐driven titration in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with premixed human insulin: A randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, multicenter trial

“…Empowering patients to self‐titration allows treatment to be adjusted in a timely manner along with change of lifestyle, meanwhile it might improve treatment adherence and glycemic control27. As shown by the present study, patient‐titration was associated with improved treatment satisfaction.…”

Does a Patient-Managed Insulin Intensification Strategy With Insulin Glargine and Insulin Glulisine Provide Similar Glycemic Control as a Physician-Managed Strategy? Results of the START (Self-Titration With Apidra to Reach Target) Study

“…The START study used an empowerment approach (31) to patient care by supporting patients to make autonomous, informed decisions about their diabetes self-management. Patient understanding and involvement in their treatment (24), and a collaborative relationship between the physician and patient is important to improve compliance and achieving glycemic goals (32,33).…”

Ethnic differences in psychological outcomes among people with diabetes: USA results from the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes, and Needs (DAWN2) study

“…The strongest association was between receiving patientcentered care and greater diabetes empowerment. Patientcentered care is defined by the Institute of Medicine 37 as providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs, and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions, resulting in a rebalancing of power so that adults with diabetes are empowered to take a more active role in their diabetes care 38 . The current study suggests that patient-centered care was effective in empowering adults with diabetes.…”