Motivational interviewing to change type 2 diabetes self - care behaviours

Journal of Diabetes Nursing Vol 14 No 3 2010 As with other chronic conditions, selfmanagement is key for people with type 2 diabetes. However, this can require an extra 2 hours each day to carry out (Russell et al, 2005). In addition to time constraints, individuals may not wish to make lifestyle changes because of financial or transportation problems, availability of, or access to, healthcare professionals, and/or cultural belief systems (Strauss et al, 2006; Saydah et al, 2007; Nwasuruba et al, 2009). In the authors’ experience, many healthcare professionals fail to fully explore whether people with diabetes follow through on their suggestions or determine whether barriers to self-management can be modified or not. Consequently, adherence rates are low, and in the US, mean HbA 1c levels have not changed in the past decade (Saydah et al, 2004). Approximately 7% of people with diabetes have HbA 1c , LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure levels within recommended ranges (Saaddine et al, 2002). In addition to myriad physical complications, diabetes adversely affects the emotional health and wellbeing of those with the condition. Clinical depression rates among those with diabetes are estimated to be between 10% and 30% (Anderson et al, 2001; Li et al, 2008). Since cognitive function influences the ability to manage daily self-care, psychological difficulties can have an indirect but negative impact on glycaemic control.