Metabolic Syndrome is a medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and obesity, which is becoming increasingly common. This cluster of conditions is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and an imbalanced food energy intake. In Mauritius, diabetes prevalence amongst people with known diabetes is 23%. However, many are unaware that they have diabetes, until certain related complications arise.
A healthy lifestyle is one of the major aspects in effectively managing diabetes. The Self-Care Education program provides the necessary information and skills for people to properly manage the disease with its related health conditions. It is tailored to meet each individual’s needs, goals, and life experiences. Patients learn how to eat healthily, become physically active, monitor their blood sugar levels, regularly take medication, actively reduce the risk factors for other health conditions, and how to cope with the emotions experienced when personally facing diabetes. Instruction in self-management intends to help patients acquire and maintain the skills needed in living with a chronic disease effectively and pro-actively.
Since 2004, APSA has been offering an innovative approach in therapeutic education in collaboration with international consultants, to empower the patient towards making long-term healthy lifestyle choices.
