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VOLUME 10 NUMBER 4 • NOVEMBER 2013
DIABETES PERSONALITY
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
of the disease and its complications is often a trigger factor contributing
to non-compliance. It is also imperative to acknowledge that very of-
ten patients have other priorities that they consider more important than
diabetes, such as their family, an ill spouse, work stresses and financial
issues.’
‘Over the past two years, I have come to understand that every single
person I see during a consultation has a whole lot more to him/her than is
visible to me. In order to promote and foster compliance successfully, it is
imperative to understand patients’ perceptions of compliance difficulties.
The challenge lies in finding appropriate ways to enable them to open up
and discuss their stresses and difficulties.’
What is the most satisfying and rewarding aspect of Dr Murugan’s
work? ‘The smile on a patient’s face when he/she achieves milestones in
his/her diabetes management that he/she never thought possible at the
time of diagnosis, is satisfaction enough for me. It feels good to be instru-
mental in assisting diabetic individuals improve their knowledge, skills
and confidence, thus enabling them to take control of their condition by
integrating effective self-management skills into their daily lives. Helping
to achieve positive outcomes like this motivates and drives me to con-
tinue with the community initiatives in which I am currently involved.’
‘We have come a long way in diabetes management with regard to pa-
tient care’, he observes in conclusion. ‘Likewise, there have been some
remarkable therapeutic interventions that enable us to manage our pa-
tients better. Hopefully, one day soon, there will be a cure for diabetes.
But until then, all I can do is offer help and hope to individuals within the
community in which I work.’
P Wagenaar
A diabetes event in the Uthulungu municipality on 24 October 2013.
