HLSC 618: Diabetes Mellitus in the Acute – Nursing Assignment
Diabetes is a common, life-long condition affecting the metabolism of glucose in the body (Dhinsa, Khan & Puri, 2010). With the incidence of diabetes increasing, one in four Australians are said to have type two diabetes or the pre-diabetic condition, it is important that
healthcare professionals have a sound knowledge of diabetes management in order to achieve optimal health outcomes whilst caring for clients within the healthcare setting (Young, 2011). Poorly controlled diabetes can have a devastating impact on a client with diabetes and
their family, as a result of secondary complications such as micro- and macrovascular disease which can lead to significantly increased morbidity and even mortality conditions such as: nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, heart disease, stroke, decreased wound
healing and increased risk of infection (Salamah, C., Byxbe, T., Naffe, A., Vish, N., DeJong, S., Muldoon, M., Cheng D. & Adams, J., 2011).
Adequate control of blood glucose levels (BGL), not only through lifestyle adjustments (such as making healthy eating choices and increasing physical activity) but also medication management, has been found to significantly reduce the microvascular complications in type one and type two diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) (Young, 2011). A study into diabetes and the occurrence of complications – the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) – found that improving diabetic control can significantly reduce the incidence of microvascular complications T1DM, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate glycaemic control while decreasing the risk of hypoglycaemia
(Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group, 1993). As mentioned, it is important to encompass a holistic approach to the management of diabetes (Dhinsa et al., 2010). Nurses play an important role in educating clients about healthy eating and increasing activity to assist in managing diabetes and referring clients to appropriate resources if applicable, this may include dieticians, orthotics, exercise
therapists, and government-funded programs such as the ‘LIFE!’ Campaign for those with pre-diabetes (Lange, 2010).
Question:
1) Describing what the program is about
2) Acknowledging the appropriateness of the program for workplace setting with the rationale
3) Articulating the purpose, reasons for and benefits of the program
