CASE STUDY: MANAGING DIABETES

Fifty-seven-year-old Mrs Lawrence was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 32 and was subsequently diagnosed with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol).

Her cholesterol and blood pressure were under control, but her diabetes was not, because she lacked insight into diabetes as a chronic condition. Her glucose test revealed a blood-sugar level of 11.5 millimoles. A normal bloodsugar range for a diabetes sufferer is four to seven millimoles. (A mole is a unit of measurement commonly used in chemistry to denote amounts of atoms and molecules.)

During the interview with her care coach, Mrs Lawrence said she believed she had only to avoid sweet foods, such as chocolates or biscuits, to manage her diabetes.

The care coach referred Mrs Lawrence to a dietitian, advised her of the importance of exercise and physical activity, and provided her with a glucometer and arranged for her to be taught how to use it.

After two weeks, Mrs Lawrence had:

• Consulted a general practitioner, who performed a test to check her blood sugar level;

• Consulted the dietitian and embarked on a healthier diet for her and her family;

• Joined a gym and was regularly doing 35 to 40 minutes of cardiovascular training; and

• Reduced her glucose level to between 4.5 and seven millimoles.