Strengthen education about diabetes and its complications

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 11 views

The Level of Self-Awareness of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Against Oral Complications

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including Indonesia. This disease is characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to the body's inability to produce adequate insulin. One aspect that is often overlooked by diabetes patients is awareness of complications that can occur in the oral cavity. This low self-awareness can have a negative impact on their health management, including compliance with diet, physical activity, and prevention of complications.

The Importance of Self-Awareness in Diabetes Management

Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of diabetes management. Patients with T2DM need to be aware of the potential complications that can arise from the disease, including those related to the oral cavity. Complications such as gum infections, xerostomia (dry mouth), and increased risk of dental caries can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Unfortunately, many patients with T2DM are less aware of these complications, which can lead to poor oral health and a lower quality of life.

A Study on Self-Awareness of Patients with T2DM

A study was conducted at the Poly Outpatient Installation in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan to measure the level of self-awareness of patients with T2DM against oral complications. The study involved 40 respondents who were subjected to a descriptive study with data collection through questionnaires. The results showed that only 45% of patients had a good level of self-awareness, while 55% showed low self-awareness.

The Relationship Between Education and Self-Awareness

The study also found that there was a significant relationship between education and self-awareness. Patients with higher education levels tended to have a better understanding of diabetes complications compared to those with lower education levels. Specifically, 10% of patients with elementary education background had low self-awareness, 5% from junior high school, 27.5% of high school, and 15% of highly educated patients showed a moderate level of self-awareness.

The Impact of Glycemic Status on Self-Awareness

The study also found that glycemic status had a significant impact on self-awareness. Patients with uncontrolled glycemic status were more likely to have low self-awareness compared to those with controlled glycemic status. Specifically, 42.5% of patients with uncontrolled glycemic status indicated a low level of self-awareness, while 7.5% of patients with controlled glycemic status had a moderate level of self-awareness.

Analysis of the Patient's Self-Awareness

The level of self-awareness of patients with T2DM against oral cavity complications is a critical aspect of diabetes management. Complications such as gum infections, xerostomia (dry mouth), and increased risk of dental caries can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Unfortunately, many patients are less aware of these complications, which can lead to poor oral health and a lower quality of life.

The Role of Education in Self-Awareness

Education plays a significant role in forming self-awareness. Patients with low levels of education may lack information about the importance of maintaining oral health, or may feel there is no relationship between diabetes and oral health. Therefore, education about diabetes and its complications must be strengthened, especially for groups with low education.

The Need for Intensive Health Promotion

In addition to education, there needs to be a more intensive health promotion program that emphasizes the importance of good diabetes management. By providing a clear understanding of how diabetes can affect the health of the oral cavity, it is expected that patients can be more obedient to the recommended therapy.

Conclusion

The study found that the majority of patients with T2DM in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan had a low level of self-awareness of oral complications. Efforts to increase this awareness must be focused on health education in accordance with the level of education and understanding of patients. Thus, patients are expected to be able to take the preventive steps needed to maintain the health of the oral cavity and, in the end, their overall health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Strengthen education about diabetes and its complications: Education about diabetes and its complications must be strengthened, especially for groups with low education.
Implement intensive health promotion programs: Intensive health promotion programs must be implemented to emphasize the importance of good diabetes management.
Provide clear information about the impact of diabetes on oral health: Patients must be provided with clear information about how diabetes can affect the health of the oral cavity.
Encourage patients to take preventive steps: Patients must be encouraged to take preventive steps to maintain the health of the oral cavity and, in the end, their overall health.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that patients with T2DM can have a better understanding of the potential complications of the disease and take the necessary steps to prevent them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Self-Awareness in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Q: What is self-awareness in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: Self-awareness in type 2 diabetes mellitus refers to a patient's understanding of their disease, its complications, and the importance of managing it effectively. It involves being aware of the potential risks and consequences of not managing the disease properly.

Q: Why is self-awareness important in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: Self-awareness is crucial in type 2 diabetes mellitus because it helps patients understand the importance of managing their disease effectively. It enables them to take preventive steps to avoid complications, such as gum infections, xerostomia (dry mouth), and increased risk of dental caries.

Q: What are the common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: The common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus include:

Gum infections
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Increased risk of dental caries
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Heart disease
Stroke

Q: How can patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus improve their self-awareness?

A: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can improve their self-awareness by:

Educating themselves about the disease and its complications
Working with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan
Monitoring their blood sugar levels regularly
Taking preventive steps to avoid complications
Staying informed about the latest research and developments in diabetes management

Q: What role does education play in self-awareness in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: Education plays a significant role in self-awareness in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with higher education levels tend to have a better understanding of diabetes complications compared to those with lower education levels. Therefore, education about diabetes and its complications must be strengthened, especially for groups with low education.

Q: How can healthcare providers promote self-awareness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: Healthcare providers can promote self-awareness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by:

Providing clear and concise information about the disease and its complications
Encouraging patients to ask questions and seek clarification
Developing a treatment plan that takes into account the patient's needs and goals
Monitoring the patient's progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed
Providing ongoing education and support to help patients manage their disease effectively

Q: What are the benefits of self-awareness in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: The benefits of self-awareness in type 2 diabetes mellitus include:

Improved blood sugar control
Reduced risk of complications
Improved quality of life
Increased confidence in managing the disease
Better adherence to treatment plans

Q: How can patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus stay motivated to manage their disease effectively?

A: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can stay motivated to manage their disease effectively by:

Setting realistic goals and tracking progress
Finding a support system, such as a diabetes support group
Celebrating small victories and accomplishments
Staying informed about the latest research and developments in diabetes management
Working with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that meets their needs and goals.