NURS 6521 Week 5 Assignment - Diabetes and Drug Treatments

Types of Diabetes Diabetes is characterized as a chronic disorder that affects how your body metabolizes sugars, or glucose (CDC, 2022). Insulin is released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels increase after eating. Insulin helps glucose enter the body’s cells to use as energy. Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes either do not make enough insulin or have insulin resistance and inappropriate insulin secretion. The types of diabetes will be explored in this discussion post. Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder of the destruction of pancreatic β cells. Therefore, the body is unable to make enough insulin to metabolize sugars after eating. Because type 1 diabetes usually develops during childhood or adolescents, it was once called juvenile- onset diabetes mellitus (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include weight loss and increased thirst, hunger, and urination, and the onset is abrupt. Patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes require strict diet control insulin replacement daily. Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is when the body becomes resistant to insulin and secretes it inappropriately. Type 2 diabetes usually develops after the age of 40. However, it can occur at any age. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be asymptomatic, and the onset of symptoms is gradual. They may be treated with exercise, a low- calorie diet, and oral antidiabetics or non-insulin injectables. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is present during pregnancy. It is caused by the increased production of hormones and cortisol during pregnancy. This leads to hyperglycemia and increases the body’s need for insulin. Patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes require insulin and a controlled diet. Gestational diabetes resolves almost immediately after the delivery of the baby. Metformin and its Proper Preparation and Administration Metformin is the oral antidiabetic of choice for initial type 2 diabetes therapy. Metformin is also known by the trade names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Glumetza, and Fortamet (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). It is in the drug class called biguanides. It can be prescribed as a tablet, an extended-release tablet, or a liquid suspension. To prepare for the administration of metformin, any patient education information provided, and the physician’s prescribed instructions should be reviewed carefully. Ensure that the patient understands this information before taking the medication. To reduce GI upset, metformin should be taken and administered with meals (Mayo Clinic, 2022). The tablet or extended-release tablet should be swallowed with a full glass of water. It should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. The liquid suspension should be measured with an oral syringe, marked measuring spoon, or medicine cup. In addition to taking metformin, a low-fat diet, and moderate exercises, such as vigorous walking, should be included in the patient’s plan of care. Patients diagnosed with diabetes should consume healthy carbohydrates, such as those found in low-fat milk, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided. However, nutritional needs vary per individual. Therefore, the provider should also consider the patient’s nutritional needs when recommending dietary considerations. This treatment regimen positively impacts the management of type 2 diabetes, the prevention of complications related to type 2 diabetes, and the patient’s overall health. The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes and Metformin Type 2 diabetes has both short-term and long-term effects if left untreated. Hypoglycemia, characterized by low blood glucose levels, and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), characterized by high blood glucose levels, are two short-term complications associated with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, impaired kidney function, and macrovascular issues are some of the long-term effects associated with type 2 diabetes. Many of the common, short-term effects of Metformin include side effects, such as GI upset and hypoglycemia. There have been some potential safety concerns and some concerns surrounding metformin’s long-term effects. It is unclear if metformin can help patients live longer, reduce the risk of cancer, or cause memory loss and dementia. Metformin does not cause nerve damage, kidney damage, or worsen polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The only proven long-term effect of metformin is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (Aungst, 2022). The provider and the patient must collaborate to ensure the proper treatment regimen is in place to reduce the risks of complications and adverse effects. The provider should start the patient out on lower drug doses and extended-released tablets and instruct the patient to take the medication with food. This will relieve the patient’s GI upset. The provider should also educate the patient on side effects to report, such as intolerance of the medication. Finally, to reduce the effects of type 2 diabetes, the provider must educate the patient on not only their medications but the importance of incorporating a healthy diet and exercise in their daily routine. References Aungst, T. (2022). Long-term side effects of metformin: What are the risks? risks Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). What is diabetes? Mayo Clinic. (2022). Metformin (Oral Route). supplements/metformin-oral-route/proper-use/drg- Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.