[Aim of the study: The author aims to reveal and propose a solution for the flaws in the education of stoma patients, especially with regard to patient education at the Department of Surgery in Szeged. She examined the opinions, attitudes and knowledge of stoma patients regarding patient information, rehabilitation, and the extent to which they participated in the self-help groups. Methodology and sample: In the course of the quantitative descriptive research a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the stoma patients treated and cared for at the institute (N=96). The data was processed using mathematical statistical methods. Results: 83% of the patients received lifestyle information at the institute, which helped them to accept their illness, and 99% of them were taught about stoma care at the clinic. The patients that participated in the training course, with the assistance of the stomal therapy nurse, were better able to accept their disease. The proportion of those participating in the self-help group was 51%, despite the fact that 65% of those asked regarded the ILCO club as useful. Conclusions: The provision of lifestyle information and the development of patient education at the department have an important role, because the majority of the patients express no demand for club membership. The author also takes the opportunity to highlight the importance of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the nursing of stoma patients. ]

[INTRODUCTION - Observational studies have verified that even in routine diabetes care, up to 1.3% reduction in HbA1c can be achieved with the initiation of a long-acting basal insulin analogue. We can get the same results in our patients using an insulin titration algorithm and close diabetological control. CASE REPORT - Metformin therapy of a 68-year old, moderately obese woman with type 2 diabetes was complemented by a long-acting basal insulin analogue (insulin glargine). Before initiation of insulin therapy, the patient received thorough dietetic and diabetic education by a qualified dietician and a diabetes nurse. The starting dose of insulin was 10 U, and then the patient was asked to increase the dose by 2 U every 3rd day depending on the mean of self-monitored fasting plasma glucose values in the previous 2 days. With the aid of a titration algorithm, optimal carbohydrate metabolism has been verified by laboratory parameters assessed 3 months later. CONCLUSION - Insulin self-titration based on appropriate patient education and close professional control makes a relatively simple therapeutic system the optimal decision in terms of a rapid and chronic normalisation of glucose control in a large patient group.]

[INTRODUCTION - Knowing the pharmacokinetic properties of different insulins, useful treatment algorithms can be set up for the majority of our insulin-treated patients. When planning either a human or an analogue basal-bolus regimen, the first task is to determine the daily insulin requirement, followed by determination of the optimal rate of basal and bolus insulins. CASE REPORT - In a 33-year old, moderately obese man with type 1 diabetes who received 180 U daily insulin doses, accumulated hypoglycaemic episodes with neuroglycopenic symptoms occured. After cessation of the original insulin therapy and starting an analogue basal-bolus treatment regimen, both the carbohydrate metabolism and the overall quality of life of the patient have significantly improved. Optimal metabolic control was achieved by a basal insulin ratio above 50%. CONCLUSION - Using elements of the analogue basal-bolus regimen - one of the state-of-the-art forms of insulin treatment - at the appropriate dose and dose ratio, it is possible to comply with the therapeutic requirements of our age. However, if this weapon is used inappropriately, it might actually harm patients.]

[Aim of study: Examining the knowledge of patients about ophthalmic screenings, their disorder, the necessary lifestyle changes and on how to use eye drops properly. Sample and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the ophthalmology department of the hospital in Kecskemét using a self-developed questionnaire. Inpatients were involved during the period from June to September in 2013. Results: The studied patient population knew the importance of ophthalmic screenings, but they had inappropriate information about the right way to use eye drops and about the nature of cataract and the operation. Although the majority of the responders were informed by an expert, they had much false information about the necessary lifestyle changes. Conclusions: One of the most important task of nurses working at ophthalmology departments is to correct the false beliefs of patients and to replace them with correct and clear information, especially about their disorder and lifestyle changes.]

[INTRODUCTION - Early insulin treatment is a widely accepted option for combination glucose-lowering therapy, and its most common form is basal insulin supported oral therapy (BOT). Due to its 24-hour action and lack of peaks in plasma insulin concentrations, insulin glargine is an ideal choice for BOT. METHODS - We conducted a prospective, non-interventional study to evaluate the efficiency and safety of dose titration, the period of time necessary to reach the target fasting blood glucose level, and the changes in glargine insulin dose. The study group included patients with type 2 diabetes who had been treated with insulin glargine in BOT regimen for no longer than four weeks. The follow-up period was six months. RESULTS - During the study period, the mean fasting plasma glucose was decreased from 9.8 mmol/L to 6.7 mmol/L, the mean HbA1c level decreased from 8.8% to 7.3%, and the mean postprandial glucose level decreased from 11.5 mmol/L to 8.2 mmol/L. Mild hypoglycaemic episodes occurred in 6.5% of patients in the first 3 months and in 6.9% of patients between months 3 and 6. During the same periods, severe hypoglycaemic episodes occurred in 0.08% and 0.17% of patients, respectively. Both mean body weight and mean BMI decreased during the study period. The average daily dose of glargine continuously increased during the observation period from baseline 10.42 IU to 17.69 IU. DISCUSSION - In the study population, glargine therapy in BOT regimen significantly improved glycaemic control, while a slight but statistically significant reduction was observed in the patients’ body weight. The daily dose of insulin glargine increased during titration, and the therapy proved to be safe.]