"Although it is a chronic disease, which requires lifelong care, and still has no cure, nowadays it is possible to live fully with diabetes mellitus. To achieve this, however, it is essential that patients implement changes in their lifestyle and have the discipline to follow the treatment prescribed by the doctor", said Filipa Nascimento, LMC's nurse coordinator, during the initiative, which took place last Saturday, in Luanda.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by increased levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood, and it is estimated that, in Angola, there are currently 1.8 million people with diabetes mellitus, which corresponds to 5.6 percent of the population. In 2020 alone, 16,974 new cases (54.5 percent) were reported, the most common being Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
"Adherence to treatment is today one of the greatest challenges in the adequate control of diabetes mellitus. For this control, it is necessary to adhere to healthy eating habits, carry out regular physical activity, comply with the therapy prescribed by the doctor, being the commitment of patients, professional monitoring and family support are also important. Access to quality information and understanding about diabetes mellitus, its risks and consequences, are also fundamental", argued Filipa Nascimento.
Characterized as a 'silent disease', given that patients can go years without showing or noticing any symptoms, diabetes is often detected at an advanced stage. For Daniela Campos, Director of Nursing at LMC, early detection of diabetes is "fundamental to preventing serious complications", allowing health professionals to "develop personalized treatment plans that meet the specific needs of each patient, leading to better management of diabetes in the long term".
"Guidance on disease management, blood glucose monitoring and healthy dietary choices result in adequate glycemic control, reducing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Early detection is therefore crucial to improving patients' quality of life and minimize the risk of complications associated with diabetes", highlighted Daniela Campos.
Among the main symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, urinating very frequently, loss of energy and extreme weakness, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision and, in severe cases, drowsiness and coma.
Regarding the role of nurses in assisting patients with diabetes in the context of hospital admission, Daniela Campos highlights the initial assessment and monitoring of the patient, health education, medication administration, preparation of a care plan, psychological support, prevention of complications, nutritional guidance, promoting adherence to treatment, care coordination, among others.
"Nurses play a vital role in the management of diabetes, contributing to the well-being of the patient and their family and to the effectiveness of treatment in the hospital environment", highlighted the Director of Nursing at LMC, also highlighting the "crucial role of nutritionists, whose work helps control blood glucose levels and prevent complications by teaching healthy eating habits."
