Managing diabetes in a country obsessed with quick fixes: A scientific perspective

In societies that prioritise rapid solutions, diabetes management presents a significant challenge for both patients and healthcare providers. Many individuals resist routine blood glucose monitoring and sustainable lifestyle modifications, favouring “quick fix” lifestyle or treatment solutions, such as requesting extra doses of medication, relying solely on treatment without changing diet and exercise habits, or seeking supplements that promise fast results¹. These quick fixes often offer immediate—but short-lived—improvements in blood glucose numbers or weight control or blood pressure, without tackling the underlying problem of long-term disease control. This “quick fix” mentality creates a substantial barrier to effective diabetes control and predisposes patients to avoidable complications.¹

What are “quick fixes” in diabetes care?
Quick fixes refer to strategies or interventions that promise rapid results but do not require ongoing effort or lifestyle change. In diabetes, these commonly include:

• Skipping regular self-monitoring of blood sugar and depending on medication “adjustments” to control readings.¹

• Taking extra medication after overeating, instead of modifying diet or activity.²

• Using alternative products advertised to “rapidly lower blood sugar” without scientific support⁴.

Patients may favor these approaches as shortcuts, assuming that medical interventions alone can substitute for personal behavior changes. However, evidence consistently shows that medication, when used alone—without diet and activity modifications—fails to control diabetes effectively and increases the risk of complications.²

The quick fix dilemma
Diabetes is a complex condition that needs daily attention, like eating right, staying active, checking blood sugar levels, and keeping in touch with healthcare providers.² But many people find these routines hard to stick to. As a result, they may not follow their care plans closely, even though doing so can lead to better blood sugar control, weight control, better heart health, and fewer health problems.³

Understanding the mindset of person with Type 2 diabetes

Many people with diabetes feel frustrated because managing it can be complicated, progress is often slow, and there’s constant focus on holistic measures like blood sugar⁴ levels, heart health and weight. In this context, a tendency to seek rapid therapeutic results emerges, encapsulated in statements such as “just give me something that works fast” or “testing takes too much time”.⁵

For example:
A newly diagnosed person with type 2 diabetes is asked to check their blood sugar every morning, manage body weight throughout, and take a daily walk, along with a constant check on lipids, cholesterol, etc. This is along with a treatment plan suggested by the doctor. After a week, they feel discouraged and say, “This is taking too long. Isn’t there a faster way to fix this?”

This shows how hard it can be to stay committed when people expect quick changes, even though long-term habits are key to better health.

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Challenges in shifting mindsets
We, as doctors, often struggle to guide patients away from quick fixes and toward steady, proven lifestyle changes. To help, we use a holistic approach like motivational interviewing, culturally sensitive advice, personalised goal setting, and celebrating small wins.⁶ This approach takes time, patience, and teamwork across different healthcare professionals—but it can make a real difference in helping persons with type 2 diabetes stick to their care plans.⁷

Consequences of Avoiding Holistic Care
Skipping daily routines like checking blood sugar, eating healthy, and staying active can lead to serious health problems over time, like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues.³ Just taking medicine isn’t enough. To stay healthy, it’s important to stay involved in your care every day.² Small steps, done consistently, can make a big difference in preventing long-term complications.

Transforming the quick fix culture
New ways to support people with diabetes include making it easier to check blood sugar at home, diagnostics that look at heart health, building support through family and community, and offering personalized encouragement about their body-weight journey. Instead of blaming, healthcare teams now focus on working together with patients, using phrases like “let’s take it one step at a time.” ^1,4,5 This kind of support helps people stay motivated and build healthy habits that last.

References

1. Beverly, E. A., et al. (2012). Look Who’s (Not) Talking: Diabetic patients’ willingness to discuss self-care with physicians. Diabetes Care, 35(6), 1467–1475.
2. Howal, P., et al. (2024). Impact of Physician-Patient Communication on Diabetes Self-Management. Journal of Chronic Disease Management, 8(1), 1037.
3. Ahmad, F., et al. (2023). Self-Care Practices and Their Role in the Control of Diabetes. Cureus, 15(7), e42937.
4. Barriers and Solutions to Diabetes Management: An Indian Perspective. Journal of Social Health and Diabetes (2003).
5. Quick Take: The Diabetic Mindset. UNLV News Center.
6. Improving Cultural Humility and Competency in Diabetes Care for Diverse Populations. PubMed Central.
7. Patient-centered Care in Diabetes Care—Concepts, Relationships, and Outcomes. PubMed Central.

Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.