Clinical skills: empowering people with diabetes to minimize complications

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition. It represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality, often brought about by diabetic microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and macrovascular (peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke) complications. Although incurable, it is nevertheless possible for the person with diabetes to lead a normal life by adhering to a self-care management regimen. However, this complex, lifelong activity cannot be achieved in isolation. The role of the nurse, particularly as an educator and facilitator of learning, is therefore critical. This article aims to increase nurses' knowledge regarding the importance of ongoing education for the person with diabetes in order to minimize the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications. It also emphasizes the importance of including the individual in any decision-making process to ensure that empowerment is visible.