Verified Document

Diabetes Is A Disease In Which The Research Paper

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not generate or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the body that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life (Wan). Prevalence

Diabetes is among the five leading causes of death by diseases in most countries. However, what exactly cause diabetes is still unknown, but both genetics and environmental elements such as overweight and lack of exercise are recognized as diabetes-induced factors (Minaker). According to Piette et al., the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is expected to double from 171 million to 366 million over the next 20 years and "developing countries will likely experience 80% of this burden" (Piette, et al., 2010, p. 56).

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include unexplained weight loss, constant hunger, weight gain, flu-like symptoms including weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts or bruises, tingling or loss of feeling in hands or feet, recurring gum or skin infections and recurring vaginal or bladder infections (Causes and Symptoms). Symptoms can also include "swelling in the hands and feet, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and sleep problems" (National, 2010).

Risk Factors

Lack of physical movement has also been a factor in determining diabetes mainly because it uses up glucose as energy. Another consideration is that depression can increase the risk of contracting diabetes, this is likely due to depressed individuals tend to gain weight and be less active than non-depressed individuals. Another factor to consider is whether the patient has a parent or sibling that also has diabetes.

Early Detection - Several reports suggest that screening programs targeting individuals with multiple diabetes risk factors (i.e. advanced age, obesity, and family history of diabetes) may be worthwhile (Lee, Lindahl, Ko).

Disease Management

Diabetes care mainly consists of self-care. Diabetes patients themselves have to regulate their blood glucose levels by monitoring their blood glucose levels and by balancing their food intake, physical activities and their intake of oral hypoglycaemic agents and/or insulin. The overall treatment goal is to prevent acute and chronic complications,...

One recent study showed that such education did not really address the physical aspects of diabetes, but it did present "improved diabetes treatment satisfaction and patient empowerment" (George, Valdovinos, Russell, Dromgoole, Lomax, Togerson, Wells, Thow, 2008, p. 1452). Other pre-diabetes education can help as well. Interventions can also be offered that address the importance of weight loss and a healthy lifestyle, studies have shown that these interventions work.
Health Assessment Strategies

Along with educating patients and pre-diabetic individuals, assessing risks and health related problems is an important component to treating diabetes. Some of the assessment strategies that are in place include assessing patients for deteriorating eyesight, manual dexterity, and by checking the patient's ability to check glucose levels and administer treatments or insulin accurately. Other assessments will need to take place to determine peripheral neuropathy, pain, stiffness from arthritis or paralysis after a stroke. Assessing the diabetic client's mind set is also very important. Depression can play a debilitating role on a diabetic's body and it is important to assess the patient's overall mental and physical condition in order to ascertain any current or future health issues. Expected normal findings will include all of the above problems as well as possible ulcers and sores, especially on the patient's appendages. As the patient progresses through the effects of diabetes, other expectations can include Chronic Kidney Disease, hypertension, low blood sugar, fluctuating blood pressures, poor eyesight along with neuropathy. Some of the abnormal findings that diabetes can display are gastroparesis, and retinopathy although both of these problems do consistently display themselves, they are not seen as much as the other effects of diabetes.

Assessment technique -- insulin delivery

An example of how a nurse or paraprofessional might assess the patient's capability to self-administer insulin is through the following procedure; the…

Sources used in this document:
References

Causes and symptoms of pre-diabetes (2007) available at http://www.diabitieslife.com/diabetes/diabetes-care/type-1/causes-and-symptoms -of-pre-diabetes.htm, Accessed December 6, 2010

Cohen, A.S.; Ayello, E.A.; (2005) Diabetes has taken a toll on your patients, Nursing, Vol. 35, Issue 5, pp. 44-47

George, J.T.; Valdovinos, A.P.; Russell, I.; Dromgoole, P.; Lomax, S.; Torgerson, D.J.; Wells, T.; Thow, J.C. (2008) Clinical effectiveness of a brief educational intervention in Type 1 diabetes: Results from the BITES (Brief Intervention in Type 1 Diabetes, Education for Self-efficacy) trial, Diabetic Medicine, Vol. 25, Issue 12, pp. 447-1453

Lee, D.S.; Remington, P.; Madagame, J.; Blustein, J.; (2000) A cost analysis of community screening for diabetes in the central Wisconsin Medicare population (results from the MetaStar pilot project in Wausau), WMJ, Vol. 99, pp. 39 -- 43.
Minaker, KL; (2006) Treatment of diabetes, Accessed on December 6, 2010 at http://www.springerlink.com/content/P52h
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (2010) accessed December 6, 2010 at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/iganephropathy/
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Diabetes the Diabetic Epidemic the
Words: 1525 Length: 5 Document Type: Essay

There was therefore no coercion, evasion or unethical procedure in the study. The authors also make it clear that adequate information was provided to all those agreed to participate. There was obviously an open and transparent sharing of informstion about the project. After discussing the homework, the theme of the session was introduced and patients were invited to share their beliefs, emotions and experiences with regard to the theme. Subsequently,

Diabetes in Australia the Australian Government and
Words: 2674 Length: 8 Document Type: Essay

Diabetes in Australia The Australian government and the relevant Health agencies have for many years strived to put the diabetes menace under close observation and management. There have been massive researches and huge sums directed towards good management and possible elimination of diabetes at the national levels. This commitment is exhibited by the specialized funds and efforts like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) that has been committed to striving to

Diabetes: The Future of a Chronic Disease
Words: 1056 Length: 3 Document Type: Research Paper

Diabetes: The future of a chronic disease The number of cases of type II diabetes has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, both in the United States and worldwide. The primary reasons for this increase are generally attributed to increased consumption of high-sugar, high-starch, and highly caloric food and a lack of exercise. The International Diabetes Foundation estimates that "one in 10 of the world's population will have diabetes by

Diabetes Care in the Elderly Curriculum Development
Words: 1267 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Diabetes Care in the Elderly Curriculum Development Project Curriculum Development Project: Diabetes in the Skilled Nursing Home Residents Curriculum Development Project: Diabetes in the Skilled Nursing Home Residents The increased prevalence of diabetes in developed nations has been blamed in part on the obesity epidemic, but a portion of that increase is also due to longer life-spans (reviewed by Vischer et al., 2009). While this may be a mixed blessing from the perspective of

Diabetes Concept Map: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Words: 889 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Diabetes Concept Concept Map: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pathology Aetilogy Pathophysiology Pathogenesis Risk Factors: Weight, Race, Inactivity, Family history, Fat distribution, Age Prevention: Execrise, Eating habits, Regular checkups Diagnosis: Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test Random or fasting blood sugar test Oral glucose tolerance test Structural Changes: Potential brain structure changes Myocardial degradation Circulation changes Possible amputation Pancreatic changes Signs and Symptoms: Increased thrist, Frequent urination, Increased hunger, Weight loss, Fatigue, Blurred vision, Frequent infections, Sores/slow healing, Darker skin Prognosis: If untreated: Heart disease, Stroke, Kidney disease, Dialysis, Blindness, Amputation Treatment Blood sugar monitoring, Exercise, Healthy eating habits, Possible medications / insulin therapy Functional Chnages: Chnages to kidney function, Changes to pancreas

Diabetes Mellitus Fact Sheet Diabetes
Words: 1279 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Type 2 diabetes, and its association with obesity, changes this relationship somewhat. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes typically have poor eating and exercise habits that contribute to the development of their disease, and these same risk factors also contribute to the risk for and progression of cardiovascular diseases and stroke (Mayo Clinic 2010; WebMD 2010). Though not necessarily directly related to diabetes their diabetes, these individuals have a much greater

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now