Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Impact of dementia on caring for patients' diabetes
Denise G Feil1, Revana Lukman, Barbara Simon
1Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Sepulveda, CA, USA. denise.feil@va.gov
Objective:
To explore caregivers' challenges and quality-of-life issues managing diabetes in patients with dementia.
Method:
We conducted six focus groups with 21 caregivers of patients with dementia and type 2 diabetes. Focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed, and translated using a software coding system. Emergent themes were identified and confirmed.
Results:
Three themes emerged. (1) Memory loss was the first identified cause of self-care neglect leading to caregiver intervention. (2) Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) disrupted the daily diabetes care routine, with 'denial' of having diabetes or memory loss (anosognosia) being the most disruptive. (3) Caregivers reported that caring for both diabetes and dementia was highly burdensome, felt overwhelmed with BPSD, and wanted more support from family and patients' healthcare providers.
Conclusion:
Caregivers of patients with dementia and diabetes face extraordinary challenges managing both conditions and the accompanying BPSD. Their identified need for a greater response from the healthcare system should be tested in quality improvement programs for this overlooked yet rapidly growing population.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia l: Introduction
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer