Question

Ms. Brown is 60 years old and obese. She has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and will be started on glyburide. She is very nervous about this diagnosis and concerned that she will need to give herself “shots.”

a )Explain the difference between diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2.

b) How does glyburide help decrease blood sugar levels?

c) What are the key teaching points for patients taking oral antidiabetic agents?

Answer 1

A. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND 2 DIABETES MELLITUS :

TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS :

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body cannot produce the insulin which is secreted by the Pancreas, its causes is idiopathic which means it is unknown, however it is developed when an immune system attacks the insulin producing cells. The symptom does not have any onset, it may appear suddenly, it is usually common in children, in type 1 diabetes mellitus it is a must to take an insullin sub cutaneosly.

TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS :

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body is able to produce the insulin however it is not able to absorb or is not sufficient, the etiology in type 2 diabetes mellitus is lifestyle, obesity, less physical activity etc. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is preventable if diagnosed ealiest and by following a strict exercise and healthy diet.

B. HOW GLYBURIDE HELPS DECREASE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS :

Glyburide is an anti-diabetic drug which is used in type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is useful along with some physical exercise, It lowers blood sugar by leading the pancrease to produce insulin naturally and encouraging the body to use insuling effectively, It is not suitable for type 1 diabetes mellitus, as it works on a body where the body is able to produce insulin naturally.

C. HEALTH EDUCATION ON ORAL DIABETIC AGENTS:

• Explain the patient that an oral diabetic agents is just a supplements which is used in order to control diabetes. If the blood sugar is not maintained the patient may have to switch with the insulin injection.
• Advice to inform the doctor in case they feel dizziness and weakness after taking the mediction, the doctor may change the medication or reduce the dosage.
• If you forget to take the medication, do not double dose in your next medication time, take the medication as soon as you remember it.
• Check for serious side effects and inform the doctor as soon as possible.
• Keep the medicine in clean area without opening it.
• Always keep a candy and a diabetic identification card in your pocket.
• Follow up regularly.