Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Academic Term

Summer 8-6-2020

Document Type

Project

Course Number

NURS 6810

Course Name

Advanced Pathophysiology

Professor’s Name

Dr. Choban & Dr. Butz

Keywords

Diabetes, Signs and Symptoms, Blood Glucose, Pancreas, Insulin

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

Abstract

“Diabetes mellitus is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In the past twenty years, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has doubled” (CDC, 2020). Diabetes affects many people and if not diagnosed early, or managed appropriately, can lead to other health complications involving the heart and kidneys, leading to blindness and even a possible stroke. The three main types of diabetes are: type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Currently, there are 34.2 million adults in the United States that have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them do not know they have it (CDC, 2020). Many individuals are not aware of the signs and symptoms and can be undiagnosed for years. Those diagnosed can decrease blood glucose levels with proper diet, exercise, and medications. There are many complications associated with diabetes and some can be prevented. Many patients with diabetes are overweight or obese. Diet and exercise not only decrease blood glucose levels and weight but can also decrease cardiovascular complications. Exercise and diet can decrease cholesterol levels, decrease HDL, and increase LDL, which will decrease the likelihood of diabetic dyslipidemia (AHA, 2020). Careful monitoring of blood glucose is key to managing diabetes and to decrease complications such as kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and stroke. To properly manage diabetes, patient education, careful monitoring, and recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial.

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