Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It can be related to genetics but also lifestyle factors such as being overweight, not eating a healthy diet, and lack of exercise. Treatment normally consists of a person having to check their blood sugar several times a day and injecting insulin, taking oral medication, eating healthier foods and increasing exercise. Health Psychologists can help a person adhere to treatment by using psychosocial and behavioral techniques (Hunter, 2016).
Starting an exercise regimen or eating a healthy diet is not an easy task. The Theory of Planned Behavior can be used by changing the person’s attitude about diet and exercise. Subjective norms can help if a close family member or friend feels this person needs to make a change to help decrease their blood sugar. The most important part is perceived behavioral control of the person who needs to make the change. The person needs to believe they can get into the habit of exercising/eating healthy to be successful (Gruman, 2016).
The Transtheoretical Model can also be used to help a person make healthier lifestyle changes. The first step is precontemplation where the person has no intention of changing. The second step is contemplation where the person is thinking of changing in the next 6 months. The third is preparation, which is when the person has a plan to change by joining a gym and they have a healthy meal plan in place. The fourth is action where the person is actively changing their behavior, and the fifth step is maintenance when the person has changed their behavior for at least 6 months (Gruman, 2016).
Informational appeals can be useful to explain why it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar. Healthy recipes can be provided and in time, they may be able to stop medication. This can be more cost effective and perhaps eliminate any side effects that could be caused by medication. Fear appeals can be used by explaining that continued high blood sugar causes inflammation in the blood vessels and causes heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. High blood sugar can also decrease the amount of circulating blood to extremities which in time can increase the risk of losing a limb (Hunter, 2016). Graphic photos can be used to help send the message of what can happen if the person does not work at decreasing their blood sugar.
Social support is also important in implementing a change in lifestyle. This support can come from the health psychologist, medical professionals, family and friends. It can come in the form of informational support from the health psychologist and medical professionals by providing treatment recommendations, emotional support can come from family and friends by encouraging the person to follow treatment recommendations and perhaps actively participating by eating a healthy diet and following an exercise routine. More and more, health psychologists are playing a crucial role in helping people manage their chronic health conditions.
References
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology : Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.
Hunter, Christine. (2016). Understanding diabetes and the role of psychology in its prevention and treatment. American Psychologist. Understanding Diabetes and the Role of Psychology in Its Prevention and Treatment (apa.org)