EducationSelf-management skills are an essential part of diabetes care and with the help and support of nursing staff the condition can be managed to help people stay healthy and prevent complications. Diabetes UK provide resources for health care professionals to increase the provision and uptake of diabetes self-management
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Three of the main diabetes education courses available to people with the condition in the UK are:
Type 2 Diabetes and Me is an online step-by step guide for people with type 2 diabetes that provides information about the condition and the options and support available to them. The RCN has developed Diabetes essentials, a CPD online learning resource covering the core concepts of diabetes, diagnosis and current treatments and the role of the nursing team in treating people with diabetes. PreventionMaking lifestyle changes can often help people with type 2 diabetes and those with an elevated risk of diabetes. A poor diet leading to weight gain, a lack of physical activity as well as high cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for diabetes combined with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a balanced diet, losing weight, undertaking regular physical exercise, limiting alcohol consumption and giving up smoking are all ways to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but people with type 1 diabetes can take steps to prevent or delay the development of complications by keeping their blood glucose level at the target level. They should also regularly meet with a health care professional to check for any signs of complications so they can receive treatment as early as possible. Exercise can contribute to weight loss, increase insulin sensitivity and help to reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure. Diet is also an important factor in preventing diabetes. Excessive consumption of saturated fats, simple carbohydrates (such as found in white bread), sugar and salt can all contribute to the development of diabetes. The following foods can provide the basis of balanced diet to prevent and manage diabetes:
The role of the nursing team in diabetes careDiabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs) are crucial in providing good patient care and promoting self-care management. DSNs work wholly in diabetes care and may be employed in a variety of care settings. A DSN is often the first point of contact for people, referring them to other specialist services. A joint position statement on how DSNs can improve patient outcomes and deliver cost effective care, produced by Diabetes UK, the RCN and Training, Research and Education for Nurses on Diabetes (TREND-UK) is available here. Competencies relating to diabetes nursing, dietetics and podiatry can be found here. DSN’s will also provide training, education and support to non-specialist health care professionals including GP's, nurses in primary, secondary and community settings and care homes. All nursing staff have an important role and clear responsibilities when treating people with diabetes. Nursing teams from across the nursing spectrum including occupational health nurses, nurses working in public health and school nurses are likely to come into contact with people who have diabetes or are having tests to diagnose diabetes. Practice nurses have a particularly vital role as they are often the people who carry out the annual diabetes and foot check. Practice nurses in particular play a clinical role in screening, maintaining and supporting people with diabetes. The roles and responsibilities of the nursing team relating to diabetes care include:
Further information on the roles and responsibilities of nurses can be found at Diabetes essentials. What populations are now at the greatest risk for type 2 diabetes?African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes prevalence rates among American Indians are 2 to 5 times those of whites.
Which disorder would the nurse suspect in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who experiences an eye hemorrhage and vision changes?More about Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels. In this condition, blood vessels of the retina are damaged and they swell or leak the blood. This leads to vision loss if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Who is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes?People are at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes if they: have a family history of diabetes. are older (over 55 years of age ) – the risk increases as we age. are over 45 years of age and are overweight.
Which distinguishing characteristic would the nurse associate with type 1 diabetes mellitus?The distinguishing characteristic of a patient with type 1 DM is that if his or her insulin is withdrawn, ketosis and eventually ketoacidosis develop. Therefore, these patients are dependent on exogenous insulin.
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