Improved Empowerment and Knowledge Among Patient’s with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Implementing Diet Education Provided by Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a disease that is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States [1]. Adults diagnosed with diabetes are not only at an increased risk for further complications and disability, but they are also at an increased risk for an earlier death. When patients have appropriate education, there is a decrease in complications, reduced health care costs, improved quality of life and patients seek out preventative care more frequently. Problem: According to the Rural Health Information Hub, only 62% of individuals living in rural areas with diabetes have access to diabetes education and support [2]. Methods: A pre and post education survey were used to assess if participants have improved knowledge regarding healthy meal planning and feel more empowered to manage their disease after an education session provided by an advanced practice nursing student. Implications: There is a need for improved diabetes education within rural communities. Nurse practitioners (NP) are becoming more prevalent within rural settings. When patients receive education from NPs regarding healthy meal planning for diabetes, this leads to improved knowledge, which in turn increases patient empowerment to manage their chronic disease