Optimizing Diabetes Management: The Essential Role of Nurses in Education, Medication, and Psychological Care

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents a significant global health challenge, with increasing prevalence and complex management requirements. Nurses, particularly Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs), play a crucial role in the effective management of DM, encompassing aspects of education, medication management, psychosocial support, and patient empowerment. This review examines the various contributions of nurses in diabetes care, particularly through nurse-led interventions, such as DSME programs, telephone consultations, and psychological care. Studies consistently show that nurse-led interventions lead to improvements in clinical outcomes, including glycemic control, lipid management, and quality of life (QoL) for patients with diabetes. Furthermore, nurses' involvement in medication management and their ability to support patients through behavioral changes have demonstrated positive effects on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization. Despite these significant contributions, challenges remain in expanding the roles of nurses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where systemic barriers, such as legal restrictions on prescribing medications, limit their full potential. This review emphasizes the need for educational reforms, policy changes, and recognition of nurses' roles to optimize diabetes care, improve patient outcomes, and address global healthcare demands.