European Diabetes Nursing最新文献

The aim of this study was to explore the perceived knowledge of diabetes among personnel practising in municipal care.

The study was conducted using a qualitative approach through focus group interviews. The study included focus group interviews on three occasions, with a total of 22 enrolled nurses (ENs).

The results showed that the ENs' perceived knowledge of diabetes was not optimal. However, the study findings demonstrated that the ENs felt they had sufficient knowledge of nursing interventions, especially in the prevention of foot complications. Nevertheless, they expressed feelings of insecurity about assessing symptoms, treatment, and interventions to be taken with high or low blood glucose levels.

When providing opportunities for educating ENs prior to delegating to them the task of insulin administration, the training sessions should be structured and led by a diabetes nurse with pedagogical skills. It is important that the registered nurses who teach have up-to-date knowledge concerning developments and research in diabetes care.

The results of the study show that ENs employed within municipal health care lack knowledge regarding the care of older people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is essential that ENs receive structured education and training in diabetes in order to ensure good and safe diabetes care. Copyright © 2012 FEND. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A turning point is described in the literature as a powerful emotional experience or insight leading to a fundamental change in a person's life, and requires a new way of managing the illness. However, turning points are not sufficiently described in the literature, particularly not with respect to diabetes.

The aim of this study was to throw light on turning points in self-management as described by people with type 2 diabetes.

Eighteen participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the previous two years, and who received treatment in primary health care, were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

The findings demonstrated that the turning point in self-management among individuals living with type 2 diabetes included four themes: being in a life and death struggle, being at a crossroads with no return, being the one who decides, and being the one who can change the outcome.

Turning point transitions include existential and emotional aspects that can increase inner motivation and power for changed behaviour. Turning points are possible to identify, and self-management could be facilitated if more attention is paid to the emotional and existential aspects of having an illness. Copyright © 2012 FEND. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tight glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus has been shown to be important for the prevention of long-term microvascular complications. Consequently, intensive insulin treatment has been advocated in the attempt to achieve normal glycaemia. This has proven challenging mainly due to an increased risk of hypoglycaemia associated with the intensive insulin regimen. Closed-loop systems for glucose control, designed to mimic the endocrine action of the healthy pancreas without human intervention, may provide a solution.

The vital component of a closed-loop system, often referred to as an artificial pancreas, is a computer-based algorithm. Other components include a real-time continuous glucose monitor and an infusion pump to titrate and deliver insulin. The role of the control algorithm is to translate, in real-time, the information it receives from the glucose monitor and to compute the amount of insulin to be delivered by the pump.

This review article describes the individual components of the artificial pancreas, and aims to highlight existing clinical evidence from studies performed on available artificial pancreas prototypes. Current limitations and obstacles facing this technology are reviewed, together with its potential direction in the future. By achieving normal glycaemia and reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia, the artificial pancreas could potentially improve the lives of patients with type 1 diabetes and act as a ‘bridge’ until a cure for type 1 diabetes is found. © 2012 FEND. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

FEND's main aim continues to be to promote the role of the diabetes nurse in Europe. One of our principal goals is the ongoing development of training programmes for such nurses. Angus Forbes, our Professor in Diabetes Nursing, is working particularly hard to realise these goals in the further development of the FEND ENDCUP programme. The programme is unique in that it is disease-specific and aims to facilitate nurses in Europe to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to promote the development of accredited training courses for nurses specialising in diabetes in their countries. Please spread the word among your colleagues about this important programme, and watch the website for further details.

Angus is also facilitating a FEND Research Network Group, the main aim to develop a strategy to support diabetes nurses in developing a strong clinical academic platform, to ensure that they are fully equipped to meet the needs of people with diabetes by leading care innovations. There will be more information on this group and its activities at our conference in September.

Unfortunately, we have to announce some sad news, that of the retirement of the two current Co-editors of our journal. They have during their time as Co-editors brought the journal to a very high standard, evident in the quality of the articles published. Through their leadership they have mentored and given support to authors, a role particularly appreciated by our readership. We in FEND would like to wish them every success in the future and say a huge thank you to them for all the hard work and commitment they have given to the journal over the last few years.

We are, however, pleased to announce that we have two new Co-editors who have agreed to take on this important role and they are Angus Forbes, our present FEND Professor in Diabetes Nursing, and Magdalena Annersten-Gershater, a former Executive Committee member and at present Chair of the Abstract Committee.

We hope you all have a great summer and we look forward to seeing some of you in Berlin in September.