EDUCATION – A KEY PRINCIPLE IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITIUS AND AN IMPORTANT APPROACH IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Abstract

The high prevalence of diabetes, the high cost of treatment and its complications, determine the need to seek new approaches and methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its complications. The spread of diabetes is a pandemic. Every year, the number of people with diabetes increases by 6 million, and it is projected that in 2025 they will reach over 300 million people. Bulgaria ranks sixth in the incidence of diabetes with an impressive 7% of the population. According to a report by the European Commission and the EU'’s Economic Policy Committee, the disease with the highest economic severity is obesity, followed by diabetes. Undoubtedly, this priority is due to a number of complications directly related to the so-called. metabolic syndrome and development of peripheral neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular complications, with effects on the heart, retina, kidneys and lower limbs. These complications most often lead to permanent incapacity for work, severe disability, social incapacity and inadequacy, deterioration of the overall quality of life of patients and their families. In this context, the role of training in blood sugar self-control, lifestyle and lifestyle nutrition of patients with type 2 diabetes is considered as a fulcrum that ensures independence. Primary health care is developing rapidly, as is occupational therapy, although it is not very popular in Bulgaria. Efforts are being made to train more occupational therapists in the country, as there are currently too few. There is little evidence of its effectiveness in primary care, but it certainly has a place. It is carried out in the form of lectures, talks, training with patients/clients and their families, in terms of disease prevention, prevention of complications and others. The occupational therapist focuses on the strengths and traits of the individual, gives him the opportunity to choose according to personal preferences, participates in changing the environment, promotes integration, provides assistance in the social sphere. Occupational therapy can contribute to returning to the profession, improving capacity, providing opportunities to develop individual potential and provide additional income. It provides opportunities to overcome inequalities, a dignified and independent life and for people suffering from diabetes. And all this happens with active participation of the individual or group.