Risk taking and its influence on metabolic control: a study of adult
clients with diabetes
Clients afflicted with diabetes are routinely faced with makmg deasions about
msulin control, diet, exercise and skm care The specific aims of this study
were (a) to determine if clients with controlled blood sugar levels were more
likely to have nsk-averse information processing styles and, (b) to determme
the extent to which the differences in blood sugar levels were attnbuted to
information processing styles, after controllmg for knowledge of diabetes,
participation in home monitoring, and age A comparative design utilizing 86
msulin-dependent male and female chents with diabetes was used Findmgs
indicated that there were no dilFerences m nsk scores between uncontrolled
and controlled diabetics Additionally, m this study there were no differences
m control between chents who were knowledgeable and those who were not
This study has several implications for nursing practice As taking risks may
not be as dangerous to the diabetic client's wellbemg as many beheve, there
may be a need to consider this behaviour in developmg the chent's plan of
care Questions are also raised about the influence of knowledge on control