Question

A previously diagnosed individual with diabetes mellitus had been having difficulty maintaining therapeutic glucose levels. You are instructed to provide instructional material concerning the importance of monitoring glucose levels and possible complications of the disorder. Please answer the following questions in full detail:

1-How would you handle this patient-teaching opportunity?

2-List the steps that you would take and the specific instructions you would give to this patient. Example: Start with a brief description of the disease, signs/symptoms, treatment and diagnosis.

Answer 1

1. ANS: Diabetes: It is a metabolic disease it is mainly happens due to the high levels of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood or inadequate production of insulin.

Patient teaching: Blood glucose monitoring is important for the people having diabetes mellitus. The levels of glucose in the blood are checked through this method. The glucose level is checked by first drawing the blood by piercing the finger. Then this sample is applied to a test strip. This strip is chemically active and is disposable.

Patients having Type 1 diabetes should test their blood sugar 3 to 10 times a day. This is done to check the effect of previous dose and also to determine the next dose. The result is should always be written down and tracked. This is done to check too high or two low levels. Also, one gets to know if the problem is occurring at a same time of the day. if this is noticed, the insulin dose regimen needs to be changed.

2. ANS: Type II diabetes: It is happens due to the disorder in the metabolism characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, insulin resistance with symptoms of increased thirst (Polydipsia), urination (Polyuria), weight loss, tired, hunger (Polyphagia) etc. It mostly occurs in obese patients. Type 2 usually affects adults, but it can begin at any time in your life.

When the blood glucose levels are too high then B cells in the ilets of the langerhans, in the pancrease will secrete insulin. Insulin is a protein hormone that is secreted into the blood and make muscle cell absorbs more glucose. When the blood glucose levels are too low then a cells in the ilets of the langerhans, in the pancrease will secrete hormone glucagon. The high glucose levels of blood are antagonistically regulated by insulin and glucogon. Normal person’s glucose levels in blood are nearly demonstrated between 3.9 and 5.5 mmol/L (70 to 100 mg/dL). If the insulin levels are low or absent, then the glucose concentration in the plasma exceeds and the uncontrolled glucose concentration leads to many diseases.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes:

Overweight or obesity

Impaired glucose tolerance

Insulin resistance

Ethnic background

Sedentary lifestyle

Family history

Age (If you're over 45 and overweight)

Diabetes affect on other parts:

In our body the diabetes can leads to long term complications and this damage is referred as diabetic complications.

In diabetes nerves and blood vessels are highly affected, so gradually other body parts may affect. However, certain parts of our body are affected more than other parts, including the:

Heart and blood vessels

Eyes

Kidneys

Nerves

Gastrointestinal tract

Gums and teeth

Symptoms of diabetes:

Increased thirst and urination

Blurred vision

Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands

Increased hunger

Unexplained weight loss

Daily and long term challenges:

Daily:

1. Monitoring blood glucose

2. Insulin shots:

3. Remembering what you are (aware about your about difference, eating habits and psychological issue).

Long Term:

1. Cost of medication and equipment

2. Maintaining your H1ac levels

Treatment:

Good and healthy eating habits can reduce diabetes

Physical activity

Keep your vaccinations up to date

Lifestyle changes:

Make a commitment to managing your diabetes

Make physical activity part of your daily routine

Choose healthy foods and maintain a healthy weight

Guidelines:

Keep your vaccinations up to date

Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control

Quit smoking and other types of tobacco products consumption

Avoid alcohol, do so responsibly

Specific instructions to patient:

Fasting blood sugar readings are to be taken every day in the morning before eating or drinking anything. This gives the patient an idea about the condition during the night. Fasting levels should range between 80 and 130 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter), If higher levels are observed, one should contact to the physician without any delay.

Try to controls the meal time elevation in blood sugar and check the blood sugar level before and after the meals. These are called as pre-prandial and postprandial readings. Here, the pre-prandial reading acts as a baseline reading. The patient should be made familiar about all the above given information.

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