Diabetes education: an Asian perspective

Asian diabetic patients often lack knowledge about diabetes and self-management of the disease due to difficulties in communication. The introduction of a diabetes education programme specifically for Asian patients has resolved many of the communication problems, provided education which Asian patients could understand, and raised awareness of diabetes within the Asian community. Forty-eight percent of Asian patients were unable to read, while only 26% spoke and 20% read English, emphasizing the need for education in Asian languages using oral and visual teaching methods. Cultural differences were identified such as the use of alternative therapy to supplement treatment (33%) and the large number of vegetarians (61%). Public awareness of diabetes in the Asian community was increased by providing health education at social venues. The provision of diabetes education designed for the needs of Asian patients is essential to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of these patients.