Which of the following is an example of secondary disease prevention for a patient diagnosed with diabetes?

Which of the following is an example of secondary disease prevention for a patient diagnosed with diabetes?

• A. Regular blood sugar testing
• B. Teaching about foot care
• C. Prescribing insulin therapy
• D. Encouraging weight loss

Answer: (B)

Secondary disease prevention focuses on early detection and management of a disease to prevent its progression and complications. In the context of diabetes, effective secondary prevention measures aim to catch problems early and mitigate risks associated with the condition. Teaching about foot care is a vital aspect of secondary prevention for patients with diabetes, as individuals with this condition are at a higher risk for foot complications, such as ulcers and infections, due to potential nerve damage and poor circulation. Educating patients on proper foot care can help them recognize issues early, thus preventing more serious complications that arise from neglect or lack of awareness. The other options, while important components of diabetes management, do not fit the definition of secondary prevention in the same way. Regular blood sugar testing primarily serves as a means of monitoring the condition, not necessarily preventing disease progression. Prescribing insulin therapy is more of a treatment strategy rather than a preventive measure and is used to manage existing diabetes rather than detect it early. Encouraging weight loss is part of lifestyle modification for managing diabetes but is considered more of a primary prevention strategy aimed at reducing the risk of developing diabetes or managing its effects, rather than addressing complications after the diagnosis. Therefore, teaching about foot care directly aligns with the principles of secondary disease prevention for diabetes patients.

Secondary disease prevention focuses on early detection and management of a disease to prevent its progression and complications. In the context of diabetes, effective secondary prevention measures aim to catch problems early and mitigate risks associated with the condition.

Teaching about foot care is a vital aspect of secondary prevention for patients with diabetes, as individuals with this condition are at a higher risk for foot complications, such as ulcers and infections, due to potential nerve damage and poor circulation. Educating patients on proper foot care can help them recognize issues early, thus preventing more serious complications that arise from neglect or lack of awareness.

The other options, while important components of diabetes management, do not fit the definition of secondary prevention in the same way. Regular blood sugar testing primarily serves as a means of monitoring the condition, not necessarily preventing disease progression. Prescribing insulin therapy is more of a treatment strategy rather than a preventive measure and is used to manage existing diabetes rather than detect it early. Encouraging weight loss is part of lifestyle modification for managing diabetes but is considered more of a primary prevention strategy aimed at reducing the risk of developing diabetes or managing its effects, rather than addressing complications after the diagnosis.

Therefore, teaching about foot care directly aligns with the principles of secondary disease prevention for diabetes patients.