An Approach in Buddhist Health Care for Diabetes at Thawangpha Hospital, Thawangpha District, Nan Province

Abstract

Research on “an Approach in Buddhist Health Care for Diabetes at Thawangpha Hospital, Thawangpha District, Nan Province” aimed to 1) examine the Buddhist health care for diabetes, 2) examine the modern medicine health care for diabetes, and 3) present an approach in Buddhist health care for diabetes at Thawangpha hospital, Thawangpha district, Nan province.

The study found that diabetes is a Non-communicable Chronic Disease that cannot be completely cured but can be controlled and does not cause dangerous complications that are a burden to the family and community. Buddhist health care of diabetics is to apply the principles of Buddhism to the daily life of diabetics to be able to live a good life in term of physical, mental, social and intellectual health. Care to be provided to the diabetics is not only a medical treatment, but also a change in daily living habits i.e. food consumption behavior, exercise, the use of medications correctly according to the doctor's treatment plan, continuous access to the medical treatment plan, self-protection from complications, self-protection from stress, self-monitoring and evaluation of blood sugar levels. Buddhist principles that are suitable for caregivers (doctors, nurses) include 1) Sublime States of Mind, 2) The Noble Eightfold Path, 3) Bases of Sympathy, 4) Qualities of a Good Friend, 5 ) Professional ethics in medicine and nursing. Buddhism principles for diabetics include 1) Cultivation 4, 2) Meditation, 3) Threefold Training, 4) The Five Precepts, 5 ) Walking Meditation, 6 ) The Four Noble Truths, 7 ) Moderation in Eating, 8 ) Path of Accomplishment and 9) Bases of Sympathy. Applying Buddhism principles in daily life together with participatory management of partners, community networks, and families using the health literacy development process enables diabetics to be able to control blood sugar levels.