Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management with Holistic Approach

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic illness defined by hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency or insensitivity, which continues causing severe complications and mortality to the world population.The focus of the medical management of the disease has been primarily pharmacological in order to achieve blood glucose control.Unfortunately, it has been stated that since T2DM is a multi-faceted disorder, medication alone is not enough and many more approaches have to be undertaken that include not only the physiological aspects but also the psychosocial, behavioral, and lifestyle factors contributing to the disease.This review explores the effectiveness of a holistic approach in the management of T2DM, integrating medical treatment with lifestyle modifications, psychological support, and patient education.The holistic model seeks to help the patients, promote compliance, and optimize quality of life and minimize costs for therapeutic measures.The model embraces enhancing empowerment of patients for improved therapeutic adherence and overall quality of life.It has been indicated by studies today that when care of diabetes patients involves different professionals such as physician, dietitian, psychologist, diabetes educators for treatment delivery, patients will have better control of diabetes and have less complications.