“Nursing plays an important the treatment and management of diabetes.” Discuss
The problem and Significance
The epidemiology of the healthy people topic is diabetes which affects over 200 million people worldwide every year. Based on the 2015 report by the International Federation for Diabetes, an estimated 350 million people were known to be affected with diabetes. The most number of cases of type 2 diabetes are reported in Asia and Africa. The increasing number of diabetes cases in western countries is due to urbanization which has affected lifestyle and unhealthy habits (Lakhtakia, R. 2013). The pathophysiology of diabetes is often linked with insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. Researchers state that diagnosis of type 2 diabetes if often associated with impaired insulin function. Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are linked with risk factors to a group of people. Some of the common high risk factors for diabetes include family history, genetics, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, race/ethnicity, hypertension, gestational diabetes history, poor nutrition, and impaired glucose tolerance. Diabetes patients should be taken good care of with respect to diet, physical activity, and medications. One of the most important factors for diabetes care include medications, diet, and lifestyle modifications. In order to achieve goals of care, a thorough evaluation of the glucose levels, blood pressure, eye check-up, and stress. A healthy diet couples with daily exercises are highly recommended for overweight patients. In the case of patients with blood pressure and cholesterol problems, 6 month follow up (blood tests) is recommended. Blood glucose monitoring is the highly recommended in patients with high risk for cardiovascular disease or kidney diseases (Lakhtakia, R. 2013).
Current Practice: Based on current evidence, the standard of care for patients with diabetes include assessment for glycaemic targets between 80 to 130 mg/ml. This is recommended along with an intense statin therapy based on risk factors and age. The current evidence of care based on extensive research suggest that caring for patients with diabetes is deficient based on the population, age, and costs related to the disease. Some of the major reasons for deficient diabetes care include lack of health infrastructure, poor patient education, poverty, unorganized healthcare system, and lack of experience healthcare personnel. Based on study by a group of researchers, the lack of health literacy is one of the prime reasons for diabetes and diabetes-related complications. Patients are unaware of the medical needs when diagnosed with diabetes which increases the burden of the disease in the community (Cavanaugh, K. L. 2011). Furthermore, a qualitative research by a group of health practitioners in the US revealed that there are many social factors that increase the burden of diabetes in the community. There is a lack of social support and awareness on diabetes although effective means have been initiated by the health authorities (Hill, J., Nielsen, M., & Fox, M. H. 2013). These two research articles clearly indicate the lack of social support and health literacy among the general public with respect to diabetes. Furthermore, patients are also unaware on potential diagnosis and preventive methods for diabetes. One of the most important factors in preventing and controlling diabetes includes patient education and awareness. Thus, it is important to implement educational programs and patient awareness seminars on diabetes (Hill, J., Nielsen, M., & Fox, M. H. 2013 and Cavanaugh, K. L. 2011). These articles clearly state the use of social support, health literacy, and patient education to reduce the burden of the disease and help patients understand the importance of medication, exercise, diet and lifestyle in diabetes (American Diabetes Association. 2013).
Implications for Nursing Practice
Based on current evidence, there are 3 implications that are essential for clinical nurse practice that include quality care, medication support, and psychological assistance. However, in order to provide the best care to patients, nurses need to treat and manage patients based on current evidence. Nurses should also be technologically advance in order to understand latest diabetes diagnostic modalities such as glucose monitoring systems and home-based blood monitoring machines (Varaei, S., et al. 2013).
Nurses also need to enrol in nurse education programs and continuing education in order to understand the latest treatment modalities for the management of patients with diabetes. Based on current evidence, nurses also lack in necessary skills and knowledge with respect to management of patients with diabetes complications. Patients with diabetes also require psychological assistance since they are often demotivated and suffer from stress. Furthermore, health complications also add to stress to patients. Thus, nurses would also have to cater to patients on a need-based environment keeping in mind the psychological requirements of the patient. Thus, it is important to address the needs of the patients by nurses based on current evidence ((Pierce, M. 2013 and American Diabetes Association. 2013).
Conclusion
Diabetes is one of the leading cause of deaths in the US and accounts for over 100 million deaths worldwide. In the year 2015, based on the International Federation for Diabetes, nearly 350 newly diagnosed diabetes patients are reported every year. Diabetes is widely reported affect people in Asia and Africa. Nursing plays an important the treatment and management of diabetes. It is important for nurses to be well-versed with diabetes care and management. Furthermore, diabetes is a need-based disease and requires efficient care by the nurse (Pierce, M. 2013 and Varaei, S., et al. 2013).
