Diabetes Care Management and Provider-Patient Relationships: Engaging and Empowering Through Empathy

Ms. Sally has had type 2 diabetes for the last 20 years and recently developed a small foot wound. She is worried that her foot will be amputated after her health care provider suggested this possibility. Although she felt that the provider had given her the right advice, she felt no therapeutic alliance in their exchange. Ms. Sally decided to change care providers; after her first visit, she felt that this new provider truly cared for her and understood her situation. After a few weeks with her new provider, Ms.