Emerging vocational rehabilitation strategies for people with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People with diabetes mellitus constitute an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to (a) describe the characteristics and needs of Americans with diabetes mellitus, (b) examine the often devastating effects that this highly prevalent disease of the endocrine system has on employment and career development, and (c) suggest strategies that rehabilitation professionals can use to improve VR services and outcomes. METHOD: Following an overview of the etiology, incidence, prevalence, and impact of this high incidence endocrinological disease, the authors present strategies to meet the service and support needs of Americans with diabetes mellitus across the phases of the VR process. RESULTS: The importance of individualized case planning, employer consultation, workplace accommodations, interface with medical and mental health professionals, and adherence to self-care and symptom management regimens is emphasized throughout the article. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging disability that can affect people of any age, one that disproportionally affects people of color and people who live in poverty. Rehabilitation professionals must be prepared to meet the service needs of this growing clientele.

“Prehabilitation” for Pediatric Patients With Cancer Before Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

“…There are a number of chronic diseases that also implement exercise rehabilitation into the standard of care, such as cardiovascular disease, 8 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 9 and diabetes mellitus. 10 Cancer has become increasingly classified as a chronic disease, which further supports the possibility of integrating exercise therapy into the treatment of cancer patients. 11 To not only counteract but to prevent the deconditioning seen with HSCT in pediatric patients with cancer, several institutions have suggested the use of physical activity before transplantation to increase patients' endurance and strength.…”

“…It is well established that exercise rehabilitation can be implemented post-HSCT to help patients begin to regain the muscle strength, endurance, and confidence needed to return to their baseline. There are a number of chronic diseases that also implement exercise rehabilitation into the standard of care, such as cardiovascular disease, 8 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 9 and diabetes mellitus 10 . Cancer has become increasingly classified as a chronic disease, which further supports the possibility of integrating exercise therapy into the treatment of cancer patients 11 …”