Barriers to implementing change within diabetes care

Background: Patients diagnosed with diabetes are encouraged to make multiple lifestyle changes to manage their condition. This includes modifications to diet, exercise, medication and medical appointment requirements. Many patients struggle to undertake the changes that are asked of them, leaving themselves and their medical practitioners frustrated by the lack of change or progress. This places patients at risk of developing a multitude of complications. Aim: To examine the literature and identify possible barriers to treatment that exist for patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the adult population. Method: A literature review of barriers to diabetes treatment and care, and how to resolve those barriers, was conducted during September 2013. Results: Multiple barriers to the treatment and care of diabetes from both the patients' and medical practitioners' perspective were found. Barriers to implementing care included financial barriers to medication, barriers to accessing services and knowing when and who to consult/refer to. Conclusion: Existing barriers may be rectified with greater access to services, understanding of referral requirements and further practitioner/patient education. The critical areas of education identified for both the patient and health care provider are understanding the disease process and how different treatment plans and patients' choices affect the patients' lifestyle and health outcomes.