The importance of educating older adults with diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease of modern times. At the same time, one can almost speak of a pandemic, because type 2 diabetes is one of the leading diseases of modern times. It affects adults after the age of 40, and the cause of its morbidity is mainly inappropriate lifestyle. Therefore, it is extremely important here to properly educate both the older and younger generation so that they know how to prevent themselves. Method: The research is quantitative and based on descriptive and causal non-experimental method of work. The data for the analysis of the empirical work was obtained using a survey technique, which was processed and graphically displayed on a computer. The study included 90 patients treated for diabetes in Celje General Hospital. Results: Research has shown that diabetic patients are receptive to new information and knowledge as they are aware that this is the only way they can maintain their health as optimal as possible. They are aware that their health depends on following all the medical advice they receive from the medical staff with whom they are very satisfied. It was noted that it is the medical personnel who are concerned about supporting and motivating the diabetic patients and their relatives. Discussion and conclusion: The term training means education and to train diabetic patients properly, the medical staff must have a wide range of knowledge. Adequate training is extremely important in maintaining and preventing the deterioration of health of a patient with diabetes. Diabetic patients are usually elderly people who are often unaware of how severe the disease is and how important they themselves are in preventing the development of chronic complications from the disease. It is important that they cooperate and be involved in the treatment process itself, which will be even more successful with the right education.