EMBRACING THE ROLES OF MEDICINE
Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Health
As a clinician , physician and geriatrician , I view my role not only as a provider of medical care but as a partner in my patients ’ journeys toward better health . I believe that it ’ s not enough to diagnose and treat ; I must also educate and empower . In my work with diabetes care , this perspective is especially crucial . An analogy I often find myself using is : “ Give a man a fish , and he ’ ll eat for a day ; teach him to fish , and he ’ ll eat for a lifetime .” This is particularly true in managing diabetes .
Many patients want someone to hold their hand and walk them through their diabetes journey . They look for ready-made solutions , but the reality is that diabetes is not a condition that can be “ fixed ” with a one-size-fits-all approach . True success lies in teaching patients how to manage their condition on their own , empowering them to make the right decisions in their daily lives .
Understanding the person behind the patient — diving deep into their culture , family traditions and food habits — is essential to creating a sustainable plan . I believe real empowerment comes from equipping patients with practical knowledge that fits into their lives . Patients need to understand not only the science behind their condition , but also how it connects with what they eat , how they live and even how they deal with stress or anxiety .
A crucial part of my process is guiding patients to recognize the role of sugar and carbohydrates in their daily choices . For example , a meal that appears healthy could still raise blood glucose due to hidden sugars or the way carbs combine with other ingredients . Through simple , yet thorough , discussions , I help patients understand these interactions . Once they grasp how their blood sugar responds to different foods , they become more confident in managing their condition . by TAMEA EVANS , MD
A personal story that has influenced my approach is that of my brother , who had mild mental retardation and developed diabetes . With a few simple , common-sense rules , within a year , he was off all his medications . I often share how he and my father beat diabetes by keeping it simple . One of the rules we followed was limiting each plate to one source of sugar . Once they understood which foods contained sugars , the transformation began . Another simple but effective rule was starting meals with non-starchy vegetables and proteins , saving sugars for the end , which naturally curbed his appetite .
Importantly , I encourage patients not to seek perfection . I remind them that they don ’ t need to follow strict rules all the time . Instead , they can compartmentalize their week , choosing certain days to follow their plan closely while allowing one meal for indulgence . This flexibility prevents burnout and makes lifestyle changes more sustainable in the long run .
Diabetes management is both an art and a science . It ’ s about finding ways to improve outcomes and reduce complications like cardiovascular disease , kidney failure , blindness or limb loss . But to do this , we must engage patients in a way that makes sense for their everyday life : whether that ’ s through how they prepare their meals , or how they navigate social situations like eating out .
At its core , diabetes is complex and often burdensome . The responsibility for managing the disease lies with the patient , but we can ease that burden by offering practical knowledge that doesn ’ t feel condescending . When we help patients make lifestyle changes that fit within their traditions and preferences , we give them more than just rules : we give them the tools to succeed .
Dr . Evans is the Area Medical Director at CenterWell Senior Primary Care .
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