Self-care behaviour and well-being of diabetic patients

Pages: 1268-1271
Farah Habib and Anisa M. Durrani (Department of Home Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh)

The present paper explores the relationship between self-care behavior and physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of diabetic patients. Self-care refers to actions and attitudes which contribute to the maintenance of well-being. In terms of health maintenance, self-care is “any activity of an individual, family or community, with the intention of improving or restoring health, or treating or preventing disease”. Seven essential self-care behaviors which predict good outcomes are healthy eating, being physically active, monitoring of blood sugar, compliant with medications, good problem-solving skills, healthy coping skills and risk-reduction behaviors. For Diabetes patient these seven behaviors have been found to be positively correlated with good glycemic control, reduction of complications and improvement in quality of life. Diabetes self-care requires the patient to make many dietary and lifestyle modifications supplemented with the supportive role of healthcare staff for maintaining a higher level of self-confidence for a successful behavioral change leading to a well-being. Diabetes not only affects a person physically but also emotionally. Thus management of diabetes requires a holistic approach which will include taking care of emotional and psychological well-being. Recent articles, papers and journals were reviewed for the purpose of the present study. The paper concludes with the discussion and findings of the importance of health care behaviors in improving well-being of diabetic patients.