Question

Design a one-page brochure regarding a disease or disorder of your choice that will be used in your practice as patient education. Include the symptoms and the treatment options. Identify the qualities of your brochure that make it suitable for your particular patient.

Answer 1

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar, which cripples the body by affecting different organs of the body leading to an inevitable organ/multiorgan failure or even death if left uncontrolled. There are 3 types of diabetes conditions; diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, and gestational diabetes. A sugar level of 140 mg/dL or less is normal. A sugar level of 200 mg/dL or more than that indicates diabetes. A sugar level between 140 and 199 mg/dL shows prediabetes. Symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, presence of ketones in urine, irritability, blurred vision, slow wound healing, and frequent infections. Risk factors for diabetes mellitus depend on the diabetes type. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include family history, the presence of autoantibodies, and environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes risk factors include weight, inactivity, family history, race, age, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Any pregnant woman who is overweight, is above 25 years of age, and has a family/personal history of diabetes has chances of developing gestational diabetes.

Complications of diabetes mellitus develop gradually. A higher risk of complications is seen with the longer duration of diabetes and the less controlled blood sugars. Diabetes complications could be life-threatening, which include cardiovascular disease, neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), retinopathy (eye damage), foot damage, skin infections, hearing impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. Management of diabetes is possible by following a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a healthy diet lower in fats and calories, getting regular exercise etc. Diabetes medications such as metformin, glipizide, sitagliptin, insulin, etc are used to control diabetes, but a healthy lifestyle is a necessity. Check random, fasting, and nonfasting blood sugar at regular intervals as ordered by the physician and reach out to the care provider as needed. This brochure is compact and comprehensive with all the required information but no unnecessary information is given. Simple terms are used so that it would not be hard for the patient to understand.