Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Getting to Know: Diabetes Mellitus


DIABETES MELLITUS

Types

DM 1: INSULIN DEPENDENT
-          Characterized by destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. It is thought that combined genetic, immunologic, and possible environmental (e.g. viral) factors contribute to beta cells destruction

DM 2: NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT
-          The two main problems related to insulin in type 2 DM are insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Insulin resistance refers to decreased tissue sensitivity to insulin. The exact mechanisms that lead to insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion in type 2 are unknown, although genetic factors are thought to play role. 

Clinical Manifestations
  1. Classic 3 P’s
  2. Fatigue
  3. Body weakness
  4. Visual changes
  5. Slow wound healing
  6. Recurrent skin and mucus membrane infections

Diagnostic Evaluations
  1. FBS equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L)
Normal:            60 – 100 mg/dl (Somogyi )
80 – 120 mg/dl (Folin and Lou’s)
  1. OGTT value 1 and 2 hours post-prandial equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL
                    >  Blood Sugar increased to 150 mg within 30 min and returns to fasting level 60-120 mg in 2 hrs.

  1. RBS of equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL PLUS the 3 P’s
  2. Glycosylated Hemoglobin
  3. Urine test
·         Copper reducing tests (clinitest, benedict’s test)
·         Glucose oxidase enzyme strips (testape, diastix)
·         Test for ketones
a.       Acetest, ketodiastix
b.      protect from moisture, direct sunlight and heat
c.       Freshly voided specimen must be used

Management
1.       Diet (combined with exercise if possible)
2.       Oral hypoglycemic therapy
3.       Insulin treatment

Complications

  1. Acute
    1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
    2. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic Coma

  1. Chronic
    1. Macroangiopathy (Cerebrovascular disease, Coronary Arterty disease, and peripheral vascular disease)
    2. Microangiopathy ( Retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy)

Nursing Diagnoses
  1. Deficient Fluid Volume related to hyperglycemia
 Nursing Interventions
·         Assess BO and heart rate frequently, depending on a patient’s condition; assess skin turgor and temperature
·         Monitor intake and output every hour
·         Replace fluids as ordered through peripheral I.V. line
·         Monitor urine specific gravity to assess fluid changes
·         Monitor blood glucose frequently
·         Assess for symptoms of hypokalemia: fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, decreased bowel sounds, paresthesia, arrhythmias, flat T waves, ST segment depression
·         Administer replacement electrolytes and insulin as ordered
·         Monitor serum glucose, bicarbonate, and pH levels periodically
·         Provide reassurance about improvement of condition and that correction of fluid imbalance will help reduce discomfort

  1. Imbalanced Nutrition: More Than Body Requirements related to intake in excess of activity expenditures
 Nursing Interventions
·         Assess current timing and content of meals
·         Advise patient on the importance of individualized meal plan
·         Discuss the goals of dietary therapy for the patient
·         Explain the importance of exercise in maintaining/reducing body weight

  1. Fear related to insulin injection 
Nursing Interventions
·         Assist patient to reduce fear of injection by encouraging verbalization of fears regarding insulin injection
·         Demonstrate and explain thoroughly the procedure for insulin self-injection
·         Help patient to master technique by taking a step-by-step approach

  1. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to decreased sensation and circulation to lower extremities 
Nursing Interventions
·         Assess feet and legs for skin temperature, sensation, soft tissue injuries, corns, calluses, and dryness
·         Maintain skin integrity by protecting feet from breakdown
·         Instruct patient in foot care guidelines
·         Advise patient who smokes to stop smoking or reduce, if possible

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