Diabetes management by the patient and a nurse practitioner.

Patients facing a lifelong disease condition need time and feedback from knowledgeable health professionals to achieve successful treatment compliance. Long-established behavior may need to be changed and the patient and his family need support during the process. Day-to-day problems must be viewed as important and time must be taken to help the patient find acceptable therapeutic solutions. Establishing the diagnosis of diabetes and prescribing diet and medications are only the beginning of a time-consuming, difficult educational process for the patient. Unfortunately, most health care resources are directed to the patient. Unfortunately, most health care resources are directed to the initial diagnosis and treatment or the treatment of complications. Many dollars may be saved and the patient may have a better chance at a more normal life if some time and effort are directed to making him a more knowledgeable therapeutic agent.