Educational Strategies of Nursing in the Control of T2DM: From Challenge to Action

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represents one of the greatest challenges in contemporary public health, especially in Brazil, a country that ranks fifth worldwide in disease incidence. Effective control of T2DM requires more than pharmacological treatment: it demands educational interventions and continuous monitoring. In this context, the nursing team plays an essential role by promoting self-care, health education, and complication prevention. However, nursing care remains undervalued by many patients, who prioritize medical professionals, thereby hindering treatment adherence and proper disease management. This study aimed to analyze the challenges and strategies employed by nurses in the management of T2DM in patients aged between 45 and 65 years. A narrative literature review was conducted. Searches were carried out in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, among others, covering publications from 2010 to 2025, with rigorous inclusion criteria. Article selection followed three steps: initial filtering, reading of titles and abstracts, and full-text analysis, with an assessment of methodological quality. The analysis revealed that the main obstacles to nursing performance include patient resistance to non-medical follow-up, professional workload, and limited institutional resources. On the other hand, personalized educational interventions and the use of digital technologies, such as glycemic monitoring apps, showed significant results in improving glycemic control and treatment adherence. The interdisciplinary approach—integrating nurses, physicians, nutritionists, psychologists, and other professionals—significantly reduced hospitalizations and acute complications, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive care. It is concluded that enhancing the role of nursing in T2DM management is essential for treatment effectiveness. The implementation of innovative educational strategies, investment in continuous professional training, and greater integration within health services are key measures to improve clinical outcomes and promote patients’ quality of life, establishing nursing as an indispensable pillar in the care of individuals with T2DM.