Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder and commonly known as diabetes. An individual with diabetes would have abnormal levels of sugar in the body. Abnormal blood sugar levels in the body are associated with frequent urination, increased hunger, thirst and anxiety. There are two types of diabetes clinically. Type 1 diabetes is associated with is associated with the absence of insulin in the body. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is not able to produce insulin and is termed as juvenile diabetes. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance. In this case, the cells in the body are unable to utilize insulin in an efficient manner. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of diabetes cases worldwide. Type 1 diabetes is less common and can be treated using insulin injections. The paper highlights the population, management plan, the nurse’s role and the other team members associated in diabetes management. (Lin, D. et al; 2007)
Population: Patient Demographics
The number of diabetes cases is on a rise every year. According to the American diabetes association (ABA), 25.8 million people have diabetes and around 18.8 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. An approximate of 5,220 people are diagnosed with diabetes every day in the U.S. Over 1.9 million diabetics in America are above the age of 20 years. In terms of racial disparities, 15.7 million Hispanic whites are diagnosed with diabetes while 4.9 million Hispanic blacks are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Around 15.7% of the total American population, American Indians and Alaskan natives are diagnosed with diabetes. On a comparative note, Asian Americans have higher chances of acquiring diabetes. Similarly, Hispanics and Non-Hispanic blacks have a high chance of acquiring diabetes. It is a known fact that diabetes is the leading cause of death in America. Around 7,300 people die each year due to diabetes. Of the total diabetes population, type 2 diabetes constitutes to around 82% of the population. (ABA, 2013)
Scope of the population
Diabetes is often the root cause of various health disorders in young adults and elderly (65 years and above). Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The disease is considered to be serious since it is associated with kidney and heart failure. People with diabetes have 70% chances of acquiring cardiovascular diseases. If diabetes is untreated, it can lead to multiple health complications. Lower limb amputations are common among diabetic patients. In the United States, more than 30% of the population is diagnosed with diabetes. Sedentary lifestyle and irregular eating habits are primary reasons for the increase in diabetes worldwide. The life expectancy of diabetics is lower compared to healthy individuals. Most healthcare policies/insurance do not cover diabetes as it is a lifelong chronic disease. Diabetics need special care and attention. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOS’) have begun with the diabetes management programs. Most diabetics need to be educated about the disease. The complications of the disease can be prevented by implementing patient education and proper management. (Adriaanse, MC., et al; 2008)
Management Program: Importance
Diabetes management is crucial for all diabetics. It is one of the important fundamentals in the healthcare industry. Diabetes management can be either individual-based or nurse-assisted. The latter is utilized for hospitalized or elderly patients. The lack of proper diabetes management can lead to serious health complications. Untreated or poor management of diabetes is associated with ophthalmic, renal, and gastrointestinal health disorder. The risk of diabetes-associated health disorders are prevented in a management program. Most healthcare centers and hospitals would advise diabetics to control blood sugar levels on a daily basis. Diabetes care management should be implemented to avoid health disorders and increase the quality of life of patients. (Lin, D. et al; 2007)
Potential benefits of implementation program
The impact of a formal management program is observed in both, the patient and the healthcare professional. The potential benefits of a management program are increased quality of life, reduced hospital visits, focus on health and wellness (by the patient), reduced costs associated with acute and chronic diabetes management. Most diabetics would have control over abnormal blood glucose levels and have a goal to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Patients with diabetes often complain of the costs incurred in diabetes management. However, implementation of a formal management program would decrease the burden of costs associated to acute or chronic diabetes. Proper management would decrease the rate of hospital visits to a significant extent. In some cases, the patient would feel proud and bring about positive psychological well-being. The social and economic status of a diabetic patient changes to a significant extent after the implementation of a formal management program. Formal diabetes management program helps in the education of the patient. It also bridges the communication gap between the doctor and the patient. (Miller, A., & DiMatteo, M. 2013)
Nurse’s role in diabetes management: Importance of nurse coordination in the plan of care
Nurses play an important role in diabetes management. Nursing professionals are trained to deal with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetes. Nursing professionals play a crucial role for hospitalized and elderly patients. Nurses would prevent the progression of diabetes in the patient to a significant extent. It is important that nurses coordinate in the plan of care for most patients Nursing professionals should educate and motivate patients about insulin usage. Clinical nurses are trained to treat patients on a personal level while office-based nurses communicate with the physician for patient care. Nurses play an important role in bridging the communication gap between patients and doctors. Nurses improve the efficacy of diabetes medication and help patients in controlling diabetes in an efficient manner. To conclude, it is important that nurses are included in the plan of care in diabetes management. (Levich, R., B. 2011)
Importance of Other member is diabetes management
Diabetes management is dependent on the patient, the nurse and the physician. However, clinical studies have shown that family and other healthcare professionals play an important role in diabetes management. The family would have psychological, emotional and physical impacts on the diabetic patient. The family of the patient brings about motivation and positive psychology. The quality of life is said to improve in patients with family and friends support. Friends are said to cheer one’s life. Friends would bring about a positive spirit in diabetic patients. In the case of elderly and hospitalized patients, the ward boy or other healthcare professionals have a significant impact on the patient. Understanding the patient’s culture and emotions by the ward boy or hospital staff would have positive health impacts on the patient. To conclude, diabetes management is a combination of the patient, nurse, physician, family and allied hospital staff efforts. (Rintala TM, et al; 2013)
References
Adriaanse, MC., Twisk, JW., Dekker, JM., Spijkerman, AM., Nijpels. G., Heine. RJ., Snoek FJ. (2008). Perceptions of risk in adults with a low or high risk profile of developing type 2 diabetes; a cross-sectional population-based study. Patient Educ Couns. 2008 Nov; 73(2):307-12. Retrieved: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18718733
American Diabetes Association (ABA). Fast Facts. Data and Statistics about Diabetes. (2013). Pdf file. Retrieved: http://professional.diabetes.org/admin/UserFiles/0%20-%20Sean/FastFacts%20March%202013.pdf
Levich, R., B. (2011). Diabetes management: optimizing roles for nurses in insulin initiation. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2011; 4: 15–24. Retrieved: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065562/#__ffn_sectitle
Lin, D., Hale, S., & Kirby E. (2007). Improving diabetes management: structured clinic program for Canadian primary care. Can Fam Physician. 2007; 53:73–7. Retrieved: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1952559/#__ffn_sectitle
Miller, A., & DiMatteo, M. (2013). Importance of family/social support and impact on adherence to diabetic therapy. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2013; 6: 421–426. Retrieved: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3825688/#__ffn_sectitle
Rintala, TM., Paavilainen, E., & Åstedt-Kurki P. (2013). Everyday living with diabetes described by family members of adult people with type 1 diabetes. International Journal of Family Medicine. 2013; 2013:8 pages.967872, Retrieved: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878394/#!po=76.3158
