Better knowledge of diabetes significantly impacts patient outcomes, as evidenced by numerous studies. Statistically, educated patients with diabetes often experience:
Improved Blood Sugar Control: Educated patients are more likely to achieve target blood glucose levels. A systematic review indicated that diabetes self-management education resulted in a decrease in HbA1c levels by 0.6% to 0.8% on average, which is clinically significant in reducing the risk of diabetes complications.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Knowledgeable patients can reduce their risk of developing long-term complications. For instance, effective diabetes management has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events by up to 10% and lower extremity amputations by about 50%.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients with a good understanding of their condition report higher quality of life scores. They experience fewer symptoms, manage stress better, and engage in more physical activities.
Lower Healthcare Costs: Patients with better diabetes knowledge tend to have fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions, leading to a significant reduction in healthcare costs. For example, every dollar spent on diabetes education could potentially save up to $8.76 in hospital and emergency services, according to some studies conducted in the United States. While this figure is specific to the U.S. healthcare system, it reflects the potential for significant savings in the NHS as well.
Improved Medication Adherence: Knowledgeable patients are more likely to adhere to their medication regimen. This adherence is crucial in managing diabetes effectively and can prevent the need for more intensive treatments or hospitalisations.
