Kontakt X:X | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2026.015

Diabetes management in patients in primary careNursing - Original article

Gal Fanedl, Barbara Kegl * ORCID...
University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Maribor, Slovenia

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease that demands continuous management and poses a major public health challenge. Its rising prevalence and treatment costs highlight the need for holistic, non-pharmacological approaches. Registered nurses play a key role in diabetes care, particularly through patient education. This article analyses nursing interventions in diabetes management and evaluates their effects on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. Source selection was guided by a PRISMA diagram, after which we conducted a content analysis of the included studies.

Results: Fourteen studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included in the detailed analysis. Four main diabetes management interventions performed by registered nurses were identified: (1) patient education, which proved to be one of the most effective methods for improving diabetes self-management; (2) implementation of screening tests; (3) support for self-management of the disease; and (4) care coordination or interdisciplinary collaboration. Content analysis resulted in the main category: "Interventions of Registered Nurses in Primary Health Care for Diabetes Management." Subcategories were: (1) Clinical Outcomes, (2) Prevention of Complications, (3) Self-Management and Education, and (4) Patient Satisfaction. The results demonstrated improved glycaemic control, earlier detection of complications, increased patient self-efficacy, and higher patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Registered nurses make a significant contribution to diabetes management in primary health care. Their interventions reduce complications, enhance patients' quality of life, and support the sustainable development of the health system.

Keywords: Diabetes; Nurse interventions; Primary health care; Registered nurses
Conflicts of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Received: December 2, 2025; Revised: February 3, 2026; Accepted: February 24, 2026; Prepublished online: March 9, 2026 

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