Summary NURSING CARE PLAN FOR DIABETES

CARE PLAN FOR A DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to process carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins due to the ineffective use of insulin within the body which results in high blood glucose
levels in the bloodstream.

CONTENT
 Types of Diabetes Mellitus
 Hypoglycemia
 Hyperglycemia
 Nursing Assessment
 Review of Health History
 Physical Assessment
 Diagnostic Procedures
 Nursing Interventions
 Nursing Care Plans
 Decreased Cardiac Output
 Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
 Risk For Unstable Blood Glucose Level
Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the
pancreas. Genetics and viruses may also lead to this.

Type 2 diabetes develops over time. It is the result of the body’s inability to use the insulin it produces in
a manner that allows for normal blood glucose levels.

Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy in individuals that otherwise have never been
diagnosed with diabetes in the past. It typically resolves after the woman gives birth; however, it
increases her risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life.

Prediabetes is a stage in which blood glucose levels are higher than the normal range but not high
enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prediabetes is a fasting blood glucose level of 100-125
mg/dL.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the medical term describing low blood glucose and is measured at a value below 70
mg/dL. If this occurs, it needs to be treated immediately; otherwise, it could develop into a medical
emergency.

Causes of Hypoglycemia

There are a variety of circumstances that could cause an individual’s blood glucose level to become low,
including: taking too much insulin, not eating enough carbohydrates, timing of insulin administration,
physical activity, alcohol, weather (hot/humid), puberty, or menstruation.

, HYPERGLYCEMIA

Hyperglycemia is basically high blood glucose levels and occurs due to too little insulin in the patient’s
blood. Hyperglycemia is a fasting blood glucose level greater than 125 mg/dL or a blood glucose level of
180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia can be caused by various factors, including diet choices, activity levels, illness, stress,
steroid use, or incorrect use of diabetic medications (insulin or oral medications).

NURSING ASSESSMENT

The first step is to gather physical, psychosocial, emotional, and diagnostic data.

Review of Health History

1. Assess the patient’s general symptoms.

The following signs and symptoms can be associated with hypoglycemia:

 Heart palpitations
 Shaking
 Sweating
 Nervousness/anxiousness
 Confusion
 Dizziness
 Hunger
Signs and symptoms that can indicate hyperglycemia include:

 Frequent urination (polyuria)
 Increased thirst (polydipsia)
 Increased feeling of hunger (polyphagia)
 Blurred vision
 Burning, tingling, or numbness in lower extremities
 Fatigue
 Headaches
 Balanitis (inflammation of the penis head) in men
Women with gestational diabetes may be asymptomatic. If symptoms do appear, they resemble
hyperglycemia:

 Increased urination
 Increased hunger
 Increased thirst
 Blurred vision