Study of the impact of family support and function on control of diabetes mellitus and patient compliance In El Ganaen village ( Suez)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide chronic disease characterized by glucose intolerance. In many cases, there is a tendency to an increased liability to angiopathy and neuropathy that provide the most serious long-term disabilities (Unger et al, 1997). Apart from the probability of development of these complications, inadequate control carries with it dangers of hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, impairment of general health, undue susceptibility to infections, and lack of personal confidence in being able to undertake normal activities (Siperstein, 1992)

Nevertheless, Donald (1986) believed that the great majority of diabetic patients could, with proper management and proper control, live normal life. The quality of proper control achieved depends almost entirely on patient co-operation and understanding of the disease, and knowledge of the principles of treatment.

A family physician is often the one who makes an initial diagnosis of diabetes. The physician must consider the impact of this diagnosis both on the patient and the patient's family members. Outpatient management is less costly and less traumatic for the patient than inpatient care. Initial management goals are control of hyperglycemia, correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and avoidance of