Diabetes Assignment 2 Dropbox Course Project

Diabetesassignment 2 Dropbox Assignmentthe Course Projectin This Week

In this assignment, you will explore a disease process related to diabetes or a healthcare profession associated with diabetes management. You are tasked with researching and compiling detailed information on either a diabetes-related disease process or a healthcare profession involved in diabetes care. Your submission should be a 2- to 3-page Microsoft Word document, formatted in APA style with appropriate citations. The document must clearly address the selected topic, supported by research and examples, and be submitted via the designated Dropbox, with the filename format: SU_HCM2005_W2_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc.

Paper For Above instruction

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This condition affects millions worldwide and involves various physiological processes, healthcare providers, treatment modalities, and potential complications. For this assignment, I will focus on the disease process of diabetes mellitus, exploring its symptoms, diagnostic procedures, progression, treatments, healthcare providers involved, and potential complications.

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes often present with a variety of symptoms indicative of elevated blood glucose levels. Common symptoms include frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), increased hunger (polyphagia), unintended weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to develop rapidly, often presenting in childhood or adolescence, whereas type 2 diabetes may have a more insidious onset with subtle symptoms (American Diabetes Association, 2020).

Diagnostic Procedures

The diagnosis of diabetes involves several laboratory tests. The most common include fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, an A1C of 6.5% or higher, or a 2-hour plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL during OGTT confirms the diagnosis (WHO, 2019). These tests help determine the severity and type of diabetes, guiding treatment decisions.

Progression of Diabetes

The progression of diabetes can vary depending on the type. In type 1 diabetes, autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to insulin deficiency, while in type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance gradually impairing glucose uptake ensues. Over time, persistent hyperglycemia damages blood vessels and nerves, leading to microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, as well as macrovascular issues including cardiovascular disease (Sigal et al., 2018). If unmanaged, these complications significantly affect quality of life and mortality.

Treatments and Management

Treatment aims to maintain blood glucose levels within target ranges. For type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential, with various delivery methods such as injections and insulin pumps. Type 2 diabetes management includes lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, oral hypoglycemic agents such as metformin, and potentially insulin therapy as the disease advances (Davis & Granner, 2017). Emerging treatments include GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, which improve glycemic control and may reduce cardiovascular risks (American Diabetes Association, 2020).

Healthcare Providers Involved

Various healthcare professionals participate in diabetes management. Endocrinologists specialize in hormonal disorders, including diabetes. Primary care physicians play a central role in routine screening, initial diagnosis, and ongoing management. Diabetes educators provide patient education regarding lifestyle changes and medication adherence. Dietitians assist with nutritional planning, while podiatrists and ophthalmologists monitor and treat complications such as foot ulcers and retinopathy. Pharmacists also contribute by managing medication therapy (Miller et al., 2019).

Potential Complications of Diabetes

If poorly managed, diabetes can lead to severe complications. Microvascular complications include diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, which can impair vision, kidney function, and nerve health, respectively. Macrovascular complications consist of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Additionally, diabetes increases infection risks and may cause complications like diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes (Kirkman et al., 2019). Early detection and comprehensive management are essential to prevent or delay these adverse outcomes.

Providers Who Treat Diabetes in My Area

In my local area, the treatment team for diabetes includes primary care physicians, endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, and pharmacists. This multidisciplinary team collaborates to optimize patient outcomes through individualized care plans, regular monitoring, and education.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus is a multifaceted disease requiring a comprehensive approach involving various healthcare providers to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patients’ quality of life. Continued advancements in research and therapeutic options promise better management strategies and outcomes for those affected by this chronic condition.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2020). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2020. Diabetes Care, 43(Suppl. 1), S1–S212.
• Davis, J., & Granner, D. (2017). Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry (31st ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Kirkman, M. S., McElvy, S. C., & McNeill, H. (2019). Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum, 32(2), 100-108.
• Miller, E. R., Seidel, T. R., & Zoorob, R. (2019). Role of Pharmacists in Diabetes Care. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 59(4), 526-534.
• Sigal, R. J., Pearson, S., & Campbell, T. S. (2018). Physical Activity and Diabetes Complications. Diabetic Medicine, 35(5), 552-560.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Classification of Diabetes Mellitus. WHO Press.

While this paper primarily explores the disease process of diabetes mellitus, similar approaches can be taken to analyze various healthcare professions involved in managing this disease, such as endocrinology or diabetes education nursing, emphasizing their roles within the healthcare system.