Table 3

Aspects of care and information for 85 consultations with 13 diabetes nurses

Aspects of care

Consultations (%)

Measured blood sugar

82 (96)

Measured blood pressure

81 (95)

Measured height (in the first visit)

80 (94)

Measured weight

73 (86)

Reviewed the previous readings

38 (45)

Comments on the readings

36 (42)

Inquired about dietary habits

33 (39)

Inquired about physical activities

33 (39)

Inquired about medication compliance for 81 patients*

20 (25)

Calculated BMI (body mass index)

18 (21)

Aspects of information

Education on foot care and self-hygiene

24 (28)

Provided printed educational materials

20 (23)

Emphasising importance of self-management†

17 (20)

Emphasising importance of diet control

16 (19)

Education on diabetes (symptoms, complications, management)

15 (18)

Emphasising importance of exercise

9 (11)

Emphasising importance of metabolic control

3 (3)

Education on hypoglycaemia

1 (1)

Emphasising importance of annual review for screening of complications

1 (1)

*81 type 2 diabetic patients who were on oral medication

† Self-management refers to changes/modifications in life style that help controlling the blood sugar like cooking process and preparing meals, amount of dates to be taken, exercise, stress management, home glucose monitoring, keeping record, monitor blood pressure, foot care and self-hygiene

Abdulhadi et al. BMC Family Practice 2006 7:72   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-7-72