Vol 4, No 3 (2003): Practical Diabetology
Research paper
Published online: 2003-05-22

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Improving the quality of life of the blind patients suffering from diabetes by education

Zofia Ruprecht, Izabela Czaplicka, Małgorzata Żmudzińska, Agata Bronisz, Joanna Kłubo-Gwieździńska, Roman Junik
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2003;4(3):179-184.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Educating blind diabetics is one of the ways of rehabilitation which enables the patients to function by themselves.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The analysis surrendered twelve patients adherent to Polish Association of the Blind (42% females, 58% males) aged from 42-76 years (average 58.9 ± 11.2). The duration of illness varied from 5 to 34 years (average 17.6 ± 8.4), insuline injections were administered to nine patients, and oral hypoglicemic medicine — to three ones. The initial and after three months examination included: body mass measurement, fasting blood glucose (FPG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), frequency of hypoglycaemia, patients’ knowledge about diabetes (basing on 14-points test), estimation of a state of rehabilitation — concerning 70 everyday life activities. Group and individual diabetic training has been carried out.
RESULTS. After three month of education, the patients’ knowledge increased from average 46.7 ± 9.9 points from the test to 66.4 ± 4.5, P < 0.01, (at maximum number of points = 70). The metabolic control of diabetes has not changed considerably before and after the examination (FBG 151.8 ± ± 52.6 mg/dl vs 147.0 ± 50.3 mg/dl, PPBG 170.5 ± 57.2 mg/dl vs 164.7 ± 52.4 mg/dl, HbA1c 8.0 ± 1.4% vs 8.3 ± 1.6%). After three month of investigation, the profitable changes in patients lifestyle and state of rehabilitation has been acquired in 82% of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS. Diabetic training of blind patients improved their lifestyle and state of rehabilitation. The index of metabolic control of diabetes has not changed considerably during that time.

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