Strategies for the Provision of patient-Centred Management of Diabetes mellitus in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that progresses over time, and it is accompanied by several complica-tions that result in the malfunctioning of the body’s systems. Of the types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is most common in Nigeria and many other African countries. Several risk factors are common with the development of T2DM, making managing the disease multifactorial. Patient-centered care (PCC) is one of the recognized medical methods where patients manage ailment, which has provided more efficient outcomes. First-degree relatives of T2DM have many things in common, and these include a risk of developing T2DM or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: This review aims to understand the strategies involved in managing T2DM in Nigeria, which are tailored around the patient. Databases were searched for relevant and current original research papers, and review papers were excluded Review Findings: The findings show that pharmacotherapy, lifestyle management, and the use of insulin were some of the strategies used in Nigeria to manage T2DM. Although many researchers reported the use of drugs and lifestyle modification, only a few studies used insulin in the management of T2DM. Adherence to lifestyle modification was challenging among T2DM patients in Nigeria, making the management of the disease difficult. However, different subjects acknowledged the benefits of adopting the PCC method in managing T2DM. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that medical practitioners and public health workers should promote patient-centered care using mobile phones, social media platforms, and text messaging services to enhance adherence to treatment and care guidelines.