Discovering diabetes: achieving target blood glucose control through a behavioural approach to insulin and food self-management

Abstract

Dhysiological approaches to diabetes therapy can make excellent control possible while protecting patients' lifestyle choices. This paper describes a diabetes programme that employs a teaching method which promotes patient-centred values while pursuing optimal metabolic control. Discovery learning is an experience and inquiry-based method of instruction. It is used in the programme described herein to guide individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes to make informed self-care decisions such as `writing their own diets', and adjusting insulin doses, if appropriate, based on their blood glucose results and experience.