Management of a patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus learning biofeedback-assisted relaxation.
Psychological stress can have profound disruptive effects upon glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. Presented here is a case study in which biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques were used to help a young woman with a 10-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to more effectively manage stress, thereby improving glycemic control. Hypoglycemia is a frequently encountered problem with this technique, so the patient was taught to identify causes of hypoglycemic episodes and to take action to prevent their occurrence. The team approach of a diabetes nurse educator working in conjunction with a biofeedback therapist was vital to the success of this program.
B K
BK
Bailey
A V
AV
McGrady
M
M
Good
D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*