Findings from Web Survey Published by Dove Medical Press
(PRWEB) November 14, 2014 -- Patient Intelligence has published the original research “Insulin-taking behavior and memory problems among people with diabetes in five countries: findings from a web survey”.
As corresponding author Dr Brod says, “This study has shown that almost all diabetes patients experience memory issues which are independent of other diseases associated with memory impairments. The most common issue is questioning oneself as to whether or not an insulin dose was taken. We found that many patients, when they are in doubt, either do nothing or take an injection of insulin without measuring their blood sugar. In the first case they risk increased blood glucose (hyperglycemia), while double-dosing involves the risk of hypoglycemia.”
Dr Brod continues, “Additionally, our findings show that memory problems can be a serious obstacle to optimal diabetes control, patient functioning and well-being, increased use of healthcare resources, lost work time as well as reduced functioning at work. We recommend that memory issues should be routinely addressed in the discussion between patients and health care providers. The study also reinforces the need for innovative insulin devices that can support patients in remembering whether they have taken their dose or not.”
As Professor Glouberman, Editor-in-Chief, explains, “This paper does not declare that patients who miss taking medication are non-compliant. Instead it points out that people (especially older people) can be forgetful. So the answer is memory aids rather than a demand for compliance.”
Patient Intelligence is an international, peer reviewed, open access journal that characterizes and measures the central role of patient behavior and intention in optimizing healthcare management in all areas of disease and complaint types. An improved understanding of patient intelligence coupled with predictive analysis helps an organization contribute more effectively to achieving better outcomes.
Dove Medical Press Ltd is a privately held company specializing in the publication of Open Access peer-reviewed journals across the broad spectrum of science, technology and especially medicine.
Angela Jones, Dove Medical Press, +649 443 3060 Ext: 207, [email protected]
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