Diabetes is primarily a health condition that is long-lasting and shows higher levels of glucose content in the bloodstream. There is an abnormality in the endocrinal functioning of the pancreas which results in disruption of insulin secretion (Cdc.gov, 2022, a). Insulin is a hormone which aids the glucose being absorbed in the bloodstream from consumed foods. The poor secretion or poor functioning of insulin results in glucose accumulation thus resulting in diabetes.
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In the case of “type 1 diabetes”, the carbohydrates of the consumed foods are broken down into “glucose”. The glucose is not effectively absorbed into the bloodstream by insulin (Cdc.gov, 2022, b). The poor effectiveness in the functioning of insulin has caused the accumulation of glucose in the blood thus resulting in increased levels of blood sugar. Thus, ineffective insulin is the main cause of glucose accumulation in the blood.
1.3 Outline key features of type 2 diabetes
The poor endocrinal functioning of the pancreas causes a lower level of secretion of the hormone insulin in the case of “type 2 diabetes”. The low levels of secretion of insulin lead to the excessive accumulation of glucose in the blood thereby resulting in increased blood sugar levels (Cdc.gov, 2022, c). The cells of the muscles, fats and liver are found to be immune to the effects of the hormone insulin.
1.4 Describe signs and symptoms of diabetes
The signs, as well as symptoms of diabetes, include “numbness of hands and feet”, “increased susceptibility to infections”, and “susceptible to having a blurry vision”. Other symptoms and signs include “excessive weight loss”, “excessive thirst feeling” and “very frequent feeling of urination specifically at night” (Cdc.gov, 2022, a). The process of healing wounds and sores in a patient with diabetes is slow.
2. Know risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes
2.1 Identify risk factors associated with the development of type 2 diabetes
The factors that are known to be risking the development of “type 2 diabetes” include “age”, “ethnicity”, “race” and “history”. The disease “Obesity or being overweight” is one more factor that is assumed to be the risk factor for “type 2 diabetes” (Nhs.uk, 2020). Any previous history of the occurrence of “gestational diabetes” is also another factor of risk of developing “type 2 diabetes”.
2.2 Describe ways that individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes
An individual should routinely test for the occurrences of diabetes type 2 to maintain the level of glucose in the bloodstream. One should manage their body weight as well as maintain healthy habits of living (Rawshani et al. 2018). The dietary habit of individuals should contain nutritious food items. The individuals should also perform yoga as well as exercises for weight management thereby preventing the incidences of the disease “type 2 diabetes”.
2.3 Outline the long-term health consequences of developing type 2 diabetes
An individual suffering from diabetes for a longer period of time is at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The higher adversity of level of prolonged diabetes may result in “myocardial infarction” or heart attack (Diabetes.org.uk, 2022). The process of healing cuts and wounds or injuries is very slow which may in turn cause a risk of infection. A diabetic patient is also susceptible to having oral problems, especially the teeth gums.
3. Know the treatment and management options for individuals with diabetes
3.1 Outline the treatments and other support available for individuals with diabetes:
A person suffering from prolonged diabetes should consume foods with nutritious content. Foods containing high levels of sugar or glucose should be avoided in the3 dietary plan (Evert et al. 2019). Regular routine of yoga, walking and exercise can help in maintaining the level of glucose in the blood thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. An individual with a very high level of accumulated glucose in the blood should be medicated with “insulin injections”.
3.2 Describe the importance of support from others for the individual with diabetes
The persons suffering from diabetes should be provided with mental as well as social support. The family and neighbours should encourage diabetic patients with their maintenance of body weight and accompany them while performing exercises and yoga (Nhs.uk, 2020). The health service providers should keep a routine check on the levels of blood glucose and modify the dietary plan as a requirement.
3.3 Give examples of tests used to monitor diabetes to include:
The tests that aid in the successful diagnosis of the disease diabetes in an individual include the “glucose challenge test”, “Oral glucose tolerance test” and “A1C test”. The tests check the amount of glucose accumulated in the bloodstream thereby identifying the developmental risk of diabetes (Diabetes.org.uk, 2022). “Random plasma glucose test” is another test that can be conducted to monitor the glucose level in the bloodstream.
4. Know how to respond to hypoglycaemia
4.1 Define the term ‘hypoglycaemia’
In “hypoglycaemia”, the level of blood sugar or glucose is lower than the normal range. The insulin secretion in the condition of hypoglycaemia is higher than the normal rate (Muneer, 2021). The person suffering from hypoglycaemia is having the tendency to suffer from nausea, fatigue ness and dizziness. The other signs include “pale looks”, faster heartbeat and anxiety among the patients suffering from hypoglycaemia.
4.2 Identify the causes of hypoglycaemia
A few reasons for the occurrences of hypoglycaemia include “poor diet”, “improper timing of insulin intake”, and “excess intake of insulin”. The unhealthy lifestyle of individuals results in the development of the condition of hypoglycemia (Heller et al. 2020). The excess secretion of insulin shows dysfunction in the endocrinal system of the pancreas thereby causing the condition of hypoglycaemia.
4.3 List the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia
The symptoms and signs of hypoglycaemia include feelings of nausea, headache, excess fatigue, anxiety and irritation. Other signs, as well as symptoms, include the pale-looking face of the person suffering from hypoglycaemia (Yale et al. 2018). The worsened condition of hypoglycaemia shows abnormal behaviour, suffer from nightmares, dizziness, issues with coordination, trembling and vision become blurry.
4.4 Describe actions to take if an individual is hypoglycaemic
The persons suffering from hypoglycaemia should be administered “glucose tablets” to maintain the level of glucose in the blood. The level of blood glucose can also be maintained by supplying “sweeteners” to the patients (Thieu et al. 2020). The consumption of sweeteners and glucose tablets can help the person check the level of glucose in the blood.
5. Know how to respond to hyperglycaemia
5.1 Define the term ‘hyperglycaemia’
Hyperglycemia is referred to as the condition when the blood sugar level in the body is higher than the normal condition. In this condition, the insulin level has become declined and the body is unable to use or produce insulin (Ceriello, 2020). This happens when the blood glucose level enhances by more than 125 mg/dL. This happens when the hormone delivers glucose into the human blood.
5.2 Identify the causes of hyperglycaemia
It causes vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and vision problems. Eating carbohydrates means a higher amount, and dehydration, stress is also responsible for hyperglycemia. Lack of proper sleep and exercise also contribute to blood sugar levels (Vanek and Loriaux, 2021). Patients need to take enough amount of insulin by injection or medicine as the body is unable to produce insulin as per body demand. Additionally, avoiding medication is also required to control hyperglycaemia.
5.3 List the signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia
The symptoms of the abnormal condition are blurred vision, tiredness, weight loss, skin infection, and frequent urination. During hyperglycemia, the mouth becomes dry and increased thirst. Additionally, it is responsible for increasing skin and bladder infections (Thieu et al. 2020). The early sign of it are frequent urination and unusual tiredness however the later sign areabdominal pain, stress, and breathing shortness. Moreover, diabetes affects moods which are responsible for anxiety and depression.
5.4 Describe actions to take if an individual is hyperglycaemic
The patients should be provided with electrolytes and fluids for the replenishment of the minerals of the body. The patient should also be provided with the therapy of insulin to increase the level of insulin for the absorption of glucose (Ceriello, 2020).
6. Understand the links between diabetes and other conditions
6.1 Describe the impact of intercurrent illness on individuals with diabetes
Inaccurate illness is considered the outcome of hypoglycemia that has occurred due to the continuation of sulphonylurea or insulin intake. This happens when the patent is unable to take carbohydrates in their daily diet. This situation happens due to the development of plaque in the blood vessels of diabetic patients. The effectiveness of intercurrent illness develops an infection due to poor blood supply during a patient’s diabetic condition (Bamgboye et al. 2021). Additionally, it minimises the body’s ability to recover the heal wounds and fight against infections.
6.2 Outline how treatment for diabetes may be required to change in response to intercurrent illness
To recover intercurrent illness during diabetes, it is necessary to increase the dose that is related to “glucose-lowering treatments” and alternate insulin tablets. It is required to increase blood glucose levels. The treatment for an intercurrent illness depends on the level of glucose. It is required to avoid sugar fee-fluids and avoid dehydration.
6.3 Describe the links and possible complications between diabetes and:
dementia
depression
pregnancy
Diabetes is a condition when the blood glucose level within the body is higher than normal condition; however, dementia refers to a brain disorder which has a negative impact on behaviour, emotion and skill. The symptoms of dementia that have been observed in diabetic patient are unexpected weight loss and increased confusion (Ninomiya, 2019).
Due to diabetes patients are unable to continue their proper sleeping and feel tired. These have negative impacts on mental health and result in depression has been arising. Changing glucose levels is responsible for mood change as it causes anxiety and fatigue.
Diabetics have a negative impact on pregnancy and it enhances the risk of birth defects. Diabetics during pregnancy are responsible for the baby’s high blood sugar and result in extra-large baby birth.
7. Understand how to work safely when monitoring individuals with diabetes
7.1 Identify current legislation and codes of practice for safe working practices
“Equality Act 2010” and “Disability Discrimination Act 1995” are the current safety legislation which supports monitoring diabetic patients present in the UK (Diabetics UK, 2022). The acts protect patients from workplace discrimination and provide them with social and legal support. They are able to claim benefits and working rights in workplace.
7.2 Explain the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when supporting monitoring activity
In the case of monitoring the activity of diabetics, PPE is useful to prevent infection and maintain hygiene. Moreover, PPE support to prevent other viral infection during diabetics. For example, during covid-19, PPE is widely used by both doctor and diabetic’s patients for monitoring the blood glucose level to avoid contamination of covid-19 virus
Reference
Books
Vanek, C. and Loriaux, L. eds., 2021. Endocrine Emergencies: Recognition and Treatment. Springer.
Journals
Bamgboye, A.O., Oni, I.O. and Collier, A., 2021. Predisposing factors for the development of diabetic ketoacidosis with lower than anticipated glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients on SGLT2-inhibitors: a review. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 77(5), pp.651-657.
Ceriello, A., 2020. Hyperglycemia and COVID-19: What was known and what is really new?. Diabetes research and clinical practice, 167, p.108383.
Evert, A.B., Dennison, M., Gardner, C.D., Garvey, W.T., Lau, K.H.K., MacLeod, J., Mitri, J., Pereira, R.F., Rawlings, K., Robinson, S. and Saslow, L., 2019. Nutrition therapy for adults with diabetes or prediabetes: a consensus report. Diabetes care, 42(5), pp.731-754.
Heller, S.R., Peyrot, M., Oates, S.K. and Taylor, A.D., 2020. Hypoglycemia in patient with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin: it can happen. BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, 8(1), p.e001194.
Muneer, M., 2021. Hypoglycaemia. Diabetes: from Research to Clinical Practice: Volume 4, pp.43-69.
Ninomiya, T., 2019. Epidemiological evidence of the relationship between diabetes and dementia. Diabetes Mellitus, pp.13-25.
Rawshani, A., Rawshani, A., Franzén, S., Sattar, N., Eliasson, B., Svensson, A.M., Zethelius, B., Miftaraj, M., McGuire, D.K., Rosengren, A. and Gudbjörnsdottir, S., 2018. Risk factors, mortality, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine.
Thieu, V.T., Mitchell, B.D., Varnado, O.J. and Frier, B.M., 2020. Treatment and prevention of severe hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes: Current and new formulations of glucagon. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 22(4), pp.469-479.
Yale, J.F., Paty, B., Senior, P.A. and Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee, 2018. Hypoglycemia. Canadian journal of diabetes, 42, pp.S104-S108.
