Diabetes Self-Management Support
Reflection questions
1. The patient was newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What social determinants of health (SDOH) should the nurse assess for that could impact the patient’s ability for diabetes self-management?
2. What are some environmental and/or individual factors that could impact the patient’s ability for diabetes self-management?
3. Draft one question you have regarding the topic/content of the simulation to have answered in class.
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Diabetes Self-Management Support
Social Determinants and Environmental Factors
When caring for a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patient, nurses must assess key social determinants of health (SDOH).
These include income level, education, employment, and access to nutritious food and medications.
Transportation is another important factor, as it affects access to healthcare appointments and pharmacies.
Health literacy is also critical because patients must understand how to manage medications, diet, and blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, support systems should be assessed. Strong family or social support helps patients manage their diabetes more effectively.
If a patient lives alone or lacks support, it could hinder daily diabetes care.
Additionally, the nurse should assess the patient’s housing stability and neighborhood safety, which impact physical activity routines.
Without safe spaces to exercise, managing blood sugar through activity becomes more difficult.
Transitioning into environmental and individual factors, it is important to recognize lifestyle habits and routines.
Busy schedules or work hours may limit time for exercise or healthy meal preparation.
Cultural beliefs around food and illness can also shape self-management behaviors.
Mental health, including stress, depression, or anxiety, can reduce motivation and affect blood sugar control.
Question for Class Discussion
Based on the simulation, I would like to ask the following question in class:
How can nurses best support diabetic patients with low health literacy to ensure effective self-care?
This question matters because many patients struggle to understand medical instructions.
Improving nurse-patient communication helps reduce complications and empowers patients…………
