A model clinical program for patients with diabetes and vision impairment.
A program was developed to improve independence, self-esteem, and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and blindness. Twenty-nine individuals with both insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus entered 12-week programs that included education focusing on diabetes self-management skills for the visually impaired, monitored exercise sessions, and group support. Glycated hemoglobin values fell from 13.0% +/- 0.6% (SEM) to 11.4% +/- 0.5% (P = .001). Exercise tolerance in a 12-minute walk test improved from 0.48 +/- 0.04 to 0.64 +/- 0.05 miles (P = .001). Marked improvements occurred in psychosocial indices, demonstrated through changes in the Rand Mental Health Index from 155 +/- 6 to 174 +/- 5 (P = .0001), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale from 22 +/- 1 to 19 +/- 1 (P = .001), the Zung Depression Scale from 0.50 +/- 0.02 to 0.44 +/- 0.02 (P = .001), and the Diabetes Self-Reliance Test from 60 +/- 3 to 74 +/- 2 (P = .0001).
Bernbaum
M
M
Albert
S G
SG
Brusca
S R
SR
Drimmer
A
A
Duckro
P N
PN
Cohen
J D
JD
Trindade
M C
MC
Silverberg
A B
AB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D012649:Self Concept