nursing
,DIABETES MELLITUS
Comprehensive Nursing Notes & Care Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Definition & Overview
2. Types of Diabetes Mellitus
3. Pathophysiology
4. Signs & Symptoms
5. Diagnostic Criteria
6. Nursing Assessment
7. Nursing Diagnoses (NANDA)
8. Nursing Interventions
9. Medication Management
10. Patient Education
11. Complications
12. Discharge Planning
1. DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by
hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.
Key Fact: Diabetes affects approximately 537 million adults
worldwide (IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2021) and is projected to reach 783
million by 2045.
Core Problem
• Insulin deficiency or insulin resistance
• Impaired glucose uptake by cells
• Persistent elevated blood glucose levels
nursing
, 2. TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
• Formerly: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) / Juvenile diabetes
• Etiology: Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells
• Onset: Usually childhood/adolescence (but can occur at any age)
• Insulin: Absolute deficiency — requires exogenous insulin
• Prevalence: ~5-10% of all diabetes cases
Pathophysiology: - Genetic predisposition + environmental trigger →
autoimmune response - T-cell mediated destruction of β-cells - Complete insulin
deficiency within months/years
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
• Formerly: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) / Adult-onset
diabetes
• Etiology: Insulin resistance + progressive β-cell dysfunction
• Onset: Usually >40 years (increasingly seen in younger populations)
• Insulin: Relative deficiency — may require insulin eventually
• Prevalence: ~90-95% of all diabetes cases
Risk Factors: - Obesity (BMI ≥30, especially central adiposity) - Sedentary
lifestyle - Family history - Age ≥45 years - History of gestational diabetes -
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Certain ethnicities (African American,
Hispanic, Native American, Asian American)
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
• Definition: Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy
• Onset: Usually 24-28 weeks gestation
• Resolution: Usually resolves after delivery
• Risk: 50% lifetime risk of developing T2DM
Other Specific Types
• Monogenic diabetes (MODY)
nursing
,DIABETES MELLITUS
Comprehensive Nursing Notes & Care Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Definition & Overview
2. Types of Diabetes Mellitus
3. Pathophysiology
4. Signs & Symptoms
5. Diagnostic Criteria
6. Nursing Assessment
7. Nursing Diagnoses (NANDA)
8. Nursing Interventions
9. Medication Management
10. Patient Education
11. Complications
12. Discharge Planning
1. DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by
hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.
Key Fact: Diabetes affects approximately 537 million adults
worldwide (IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2021) and is projected to reach 783
million by 2045.
Core Problem
• Insulin deficiency or insulin resistance
• Impaired glucose uptake by cells
• Persistent elevated blood glucose levels
nursing
, 2. TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
• Formerly: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) / Juvenile diabetes
• Etiology: Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells
• Onset: Usually childhood/adolescence (but can occur at any age)
• Insulin: Absolute deficiency — requires exogenous insulin
• Prevalence: ~5-10% of all diabetes cases
Pathophysiology: - Genetic predisposition + environmental trigger →
autoimmune response - T-cell mediated destruction of β-cells - Complete insulin
deficiency within months/years
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
• Formerly: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) / Adult-onset
diabetes
• Etiology: Insulin resistance + progressive β-cell dysfunction
• Onset: Usually >40 years (increasingly seen in younger populations)
• Insulin: Relative deficiency — may require insulin eventually
• Prevalence: ~90-95% of all diabetes cases
Risk Factors: - Obesity (BMI ≥30, especially central adiposity) - Sedentary
lifestyle - Family history - Age ≥45 years - History of gestational diabetes -
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Certain ethnicities (African American,
Hispanic, Native American, Asian American)
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
• Definition: Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy
• Onset: Usually 24-28 weeks gestation
• Resolution: Usually resolves after delivery
• Risk: 50% lifetime risk of developing T2DM
Other Specific Types
• Monogenic diabetes (MODY)
nursing
