MEASURING ADHERENCE TO SELF-CARE GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES WITH DIABETIC ULCERS ADMITTED to THE ORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT AT TEL HASHOMER HOSPITAL DURING 2012-2013

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot is a devastating complication of diabetes and represents the major cause of lower limb amputations in the western world in the 21st century. The World Health Organization predicts a dramatic increase in the number of diabetes patients over the next decade and by the year 2025, their number is expected to increase to 300 million.

AIMS: Examine whether training leads to improving performance in the built-in self-care guidelines in patients with type 2 diabetes who were hospitalized with diabetic ulcers in the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Ward in Tel Hashomer between the years 2012-2013.

METHODS: The study included 68 type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic ulcer aged 30-80 years, regardless of gender, who were hospitalized following a worsening ulcer. The research tools included demographic, medical and self-care diligence questionnaires and HbA1c measurements in a sugar balance report.

RESULTS: Results show significant change in eating habits, number of patient measurements performed during the week and treatment of the diabetic foot between the treatment group and the control group. In addition, support has been found to positively affect self-care response. The only variable where no benefit changes could be observed was the medicines consumption variable.

DISCUSSION: Prescriptive guidance, routinely performed, results in improvement in self-care among diabetic patients. Mentoring is enabling people to understand the importance of carrying out instructions received.