Question

Levels of children and young people diagnosed with type 1, type 2, and other variants of diabetes are increasing and this has become a priority issue for commissioners in the area where Na’ema works as a diabetic nurse. As one part of a local strategic response to this issue, Na’ema has been asked to come up with some interventions that could help improve health and well-being outcomes for young people with a diagnosis of diabetes. Na’ema is aware that improved diabetes control in young people can reduce the incidence of microvascular complications and delay their progression. She also understands that a diagnosis can affect a young person's mental health, emotional well-being, and even attendance at school and engagement in extra-curricular and social activities.             

2. Refer to the role of community Health nurses and suggest six possible interventions that Na’ema might come up with to promote the health and well-being of young people diagnosed with diabetes?                                            

Answer 1

1. young people with Type 1 diabetes are advised to engage in regular physical activity, with appropriate insulin and dietary adjustments , and the promotion of life-long physical activity in young people with Type 1 diabetes is a priority.

2. Get regular exercise:-
Most teens can get enough activity to maintain health by walking 30 minutes a day, four or five days a week. Take a family walk at an intensity where you’re breathing heavier but can still carry on a conversation. When the mood strikes, rev up the pace for increased cardiovascular benefits!

3. Maintain a healthy diet:-
Contrary to popular belief, sugar is not necessarily the enemy for Type 2 diabetes. It’s really about eating more calories than your child’s body burns for energy – eating excess calories over time leads to obesity, and that leads to insulin resistance, where the body needs more insulin to manage the blood sugar, which can result in Type 2 diabetes, even in teens.

4. Maintain a healthy weight:-
Balancing diet and exercise to stay at a healthy weight can be tricky. Consider visiting with your child’s pediatrician or a dietitian to help your child find the right ratio of calories consumed and calories burned.

5. Know your numbers:-
At-risk teens need to be aware of their blood pressure and cholesterol levels and manage them with healthy lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary. These factors are connected to the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and overall heart health.

6. Maintain personal habits:-
No smoking
Eye and foot exams every year
Yearly vaccinations.