DIABETES

Management

Pump therapy may once have been considered to impede on ones� self-esteem but however it has since been noted that wearing external devices to manage diabetes is not an issue. Pump therapy is noted to actually increase self-esteem because of better glucose control. Diabetic patients feel empowered because they have more freedom and flexibility with intensive therapy regardless, of wearing an external device. �Intensive therapy significantly reduced the risk of development and progression of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy compared with conventional therapy� (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group, 2001, p. 1712). Similarly, Boland, Grey, Oesterle, Fredrickson & Tamborlane note pump therapy may result in the �reduction of retinopathy of as much as 42%� (1999, p. 82). Furthermore, this study also indicates �improvements in quality of life, depression, and self-efficacy� with intensive therapy suggesting a link between better management, self-care and increased self-esteem (1999, p. 84). This method of insulin administration is a diabetic�s choice, which ultimately contributes to feelings of control.