Motivation is key to successful type 2 diabetes management
Through all the requirements type 2 diabetes places on a person, it can be extremely difficult to stay motivated and continue to make smart choices. Individuals are faced with constant temptation, from skipping a round of medication to eating sugary foods. It can take tremendous willpower to overcome these enticements.
There are numerous rewards from staying strong in the face of temptation. However, a decreased risk of complications like heart disease, neuropathy and kidney failure, while important, is a long-range benefit. When faced with the option of a bowl of ice cream, these rewards may seem remote and insignificant.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology showed that motivating patients to make smarter lifestyle choices can be relatively simple and have powerful results.
For the study, researchers from Tel Aviv University divided participants into two separate groups. One group received standard diabetes care from a primary care physician. The second segment had their care augmented by two yearly sessions with a counselor who educated individuals on lifestyle factors that can affect their condition. Additionally, participants could call these professionals at any times with questions or for advice.
The results showed that participants in the motivation group had significantly fewer disease risk factors than those given standard treatment. The researchers wrote in their report that the findings show that when patients are motivated and knowledgeable about their condition, they can achieve substantially better treatment outcomes.
The world presents many challenges to individuals with type 2 diabetes. Fatty, sugary foods are just about everywhere these days, which can make it difficult to maintain healthy lifestyles. However, keeping spirits high and finding ways to remain motivated may make these temptations more tolerable.
There are numerous rewards from staying strong in the face of temptation. However, a decreased risk of complications like heart disease, neuropathy and kidney failure, while important, is a long-range benefit. When faced with the option of a bowl of ice cream, these rewards may seem remote and insignificant.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology showed that motivating patients to make smarter lifestyle choices can be relatively simple and have powerful results.
For the study, researchers from Tel Aviv University divided participants into two separate groups. One group received standard diabetes care from a primary care physician. The second segment had their care augmented by two yearly sessions with a counselor who educated individuals on lifestyle factors that can affect their condition. Additionally, participants could call these professionals at any times with questions or for advice.
The results showed that participants in the motivation group had significantly fewer disease risk factors than those given standard treatment. The researchers wrote in their report that the findings show that when patients are motivated and knowledgeable about their condition, they can achieve substantially better treatment outcomes.
The world presents many challenges to individuals with type 2 diabetes. Fatty, sugary foods are just about everywhere these days, which can make it difficult to maintain healthy lifestyles. However, keeping spirits high and finding ways to remain motivated may make these temptations more tolerable.
First published on: August 12, 2011
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