Promoting Self-care and Management for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Based on Lifestyle Changes Under the Concept of Person-centered Care: A Review

CONTEXT: Diabetes, a metabolic disease, can affect multiple organs and systems, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and nerves, and is the seventh leading cause of human death. Professional health education can help modify urbanization-related lifestyle habits, such as diet and physical activity, and is the foundation for self-management of type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The current review aimed to (1) examine policies and guidelines related to type 2 diabetes in the UK and China; (2) identify lifestyle impacts of the disease; (3) evaluate the barriers and challenges to patients' self-management; (4) investigate diabetes-related health education; (5) investigate methods of support for disease promotion; (6) evaluate the efficacy of self-care; (7) explore various treatment options when diabetes is comorbid with other diseases; and (8) describe the contributions of the health, social, and tertiary sectors involved in chronic disease management.

DESIGN: The research team performed a narrative review by searching Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Academic Search Complete databases. The search employed the keywords, such as Type 2 Diabetes, lifestyle changes person-centred care, self-care and management.

SETTING: The research is based on the clinical environment in China and the United Kingdom.

RESULTS: Recently published guidelines on diabetes nutrition and physical activity in the United Kingdom and China encouraged patients to self-manage their diabetes. Although patients are more aware of the need for disease self-management, they need more professional knowledge to manage the disease through lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise.

CONCLUSION: Managing diabetes necessitates long-term treatments, guidance, and follow-up, with the support of the patients' families, caregivers, and the entire community.