Perspectives of a Diabetes Nurse and Health Educator
Young people with type 1 diabetes face daily challenges that intersect physical, emotional and social aspects. The emotional toll includes anxiety about complications, frustration with constant monitoring, and feelings of isolation due to dietary restrictions and social stigmas. Daily blood sugar testing and insulin injections add physical discomfort, while peer pressure and misunderstandings contribute to social exclusion.
Georgina is a nurse and health educator and has been working with patients here for over a year. Georgina shared her experience with diabetes care. “I encounter diabetic patients during their clinical visits, and this has opened my eyes to the many challenges they face. Stress is a major issue, often stemming from self-injection, having to monitor their sugar levels, and managing these procedures independently. This affects all patients, from the elderly to the young. There is a fear of needles, drastic dietary restrictions, and even stigma, especially from peers.”
The MTRH Chandaria Home Glucose Monitoring Program addresses these issues with comprehensive support, focusing on emotional health through empathetic guidance, education on glucose monitoring, insulin use, and nutrition for both patients and caregivers. Despite essential tools provided, barriers such as insulin costs, peer pressure, and knowledge retention pose challenges. Ongoing support is crucial, including weekly calls and clinic visits that reinforce learning and provide a sense of community. These efforts, facilitated by home glucose monitoring and continuous engagement, lead to improved patient outcomes and confidence.
“We prioritize offering emotional support, counseling patients alongside social workers and the program team to ensure they receive enough support. Educating them is key—particularly about managing their blood sugar through proper food choices. We guide them toward balanced diets and safe portion sizes to help manage their condition,” said Georgina.
She highlighted the importance of practical training: “We also teach insulin storage techniques and proper injection methods so that patients feel confident administering their own care at home. Above all, we emphasize that diabetes is not a limitation and encourage them to lead normal lives without feeling disadvantaged.
Georgina acknowledged financial constraints as a significant treatment challenge, noting that “the condition demands substantial financial resources, but support from Life for the Child has been invaluable in helping us meet patients halfway.” She also mentioned environmental factors that can hinder consistent treatment. “Some clients come from unsupportive environments, which leads to treatment inconsistencies,” she said. “Additionally, traditional beliefs sometimes interfere with patients adhering to their prescribed medication.”
She shared the satisfaction of seeing positive outcomes. “One of my greatest highlights is witnessing an HbA1c improvement within a month of a patient’s enrollment. This reaffirms that empowering patients with the right information truly makes a difference.”
She pointed out that the program’s support has tangible benefits: “Patients receive free strips and diaries for monitoring, thanks to funding from Life for the Child. This assistance is crucial for empowering them in their daily management of diabetes,” Georgina concluded, expressing her gratitude: “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone contributing to this program’s success.”