Challenges in Providing Lifelong Care for People with Diabetes

Strategic Insights -

In a recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, researchers from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran explored the challenges in providing lifelong care for people with diabetes. The study, conducted at the Shahid Dr. Beheshti Clinic in Shiraz, Iran, involved conducting interviews with 18 individuals, including patients, their families, and the hospital care team. The researchers identified three overarching themes: erratic adherence to self-care, ineffective family support throughout the diabetic journey, and deficiencies in supportive organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that people with diabetes, their families, and care-providing organizations face significant challenges in delivering long-term care, including erratic adherence to self-care, ineffective family support, and deficiencies in supportive organizations.
  • The researchers identified six distinct areas that contribute to these challenges: dysfunctional attitudes, lack of awareness and skills, mental health deviations, neglect in family education, psychosocial challenges in family caregiving, and issues in sustaining human resources and infrastructure.
  • The study highlights the importance of structured support for all three groups to effectively fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.
  • The researchers proposed solutions within the framework of a long-term diabetes care program to address these challenges.
  • Additional research is needed to understand the complexities of providing lifelong care for people with diabetes and to develop effective strategies to address these challenges.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 18 individuals, including patients, their families, and the hospital care team.
  • The researchers identified three overarching themes: erratic adherence to self-care, ineffective family support, and deficiencies in supportive organizations.
  • The six distinct areas that contribute to these challenges were: dysfunctional attitudes (43%), lack of awareness and skills (29%), mental health deviations (21%), neglect in family education (18%), psychosocial challenges in family caregiving (15%), and issues in sustaining human resources and infrastructure (6%).
  • The study highlights the importance of long-term care programs, with 85% of the participants indicating that they require structured support to effectively fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.

Sources:

  • Challenges in ensuring long-term care for individuals living with diabetes: a qualitative study. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, 2025;24(2):216. (Springer - www.springer.com; Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders - www.springerlink.com/content/2251-6581/)
  • NewsRx. Reports from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Highlight Recent Findings in Science (Challenges in ensuring long-term care for individuals living with diabetes: a qualitative study). Diabetes Week. October 27, 2025; p 441.