This Week You Will Complete The Tasks Of The Project Topic

In This Week You Will Complete The Tasks Of The Project Topic You Sel

In this week, you will complete the tasks of the project topic you selected in Week 1. Remember to use the same topic that you started in Week 1 for this assignment as well. Topic 1: Disease Process. Select a disease process to be studied. Research the disease and compile a bulleted list of symptoms, diagnostic procedures, progression, treatments, etc. Identify all of the healthcare providers in the healthcare system that can treat this illness and the potential complications of this illness. Create a list of providers who treat this disease in your area. Thoroughly discuss each topic.

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen disease process for this project is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a common chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. This condition significantly impacts individuals' health and quality of life and requires comprehensive management involving various healthcare professionals. This paper discusses the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, disease progression, treatments, potential complications, healthcare providers involved, and providers in my area who treat T2DM.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus presents with a range of symptoms, often developing gradually. Common symptoms include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and increased hunger (polyphagia). Patients may also experience unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. In some cases, individuals remain asymptomatic for years, with hyperglycemia detected incidentally during routine check-ups (American Diabetes Association, 2020).

Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnosis of T2DM involves blood tests such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). An FPG level of ≥126 mg/dL, an HbA1c of ≥6.5%, or a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during the OGTT confirms diabetes. These tests reflect chronic glycemic control and help in early detection and monitoring of the disease (American Diabetes Association, 2020).

Progression of the Disease

The progression of T2DM is typically gradual, resulting from prolonged insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Over time, the pancreas's ability to produce insulin diminishes, leading to worsening hyperglycemia. The disease may remain stable for years or progress rapidly if unmanaged, accompanied by worsening metabolic control. Long-term hyperglycemia can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications (UK Prospective Diabetes Study, 1998).

Treatments

Management of T2DM is multifaceted, involving lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, and weight management. Pharmacologic therapy includes oral hypoglycemic agents like metformin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones, and in some cases, insulin therapy. Recent advancements include GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, which provide additional cardiovascular benefits. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and HbA1c is vital for effective management (American Diabetes Association, 2020).

Potential Complications

Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to microvascular complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, as well as macrovascular issues such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Diabetes also increases the risk of infections and adversely impacts wound healing. Proper control of blood sugar levels reduces the risk of these complications significantly (CDC, 2021).

Healthcare Providers That Treat T2DM

The management of T2DM involves a multidisciplinary team including primary care physicians, endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, and cardiologists. Primary care providers often initiate treatment and monitor disease progression, while specialists address specific complications and advanced therapies (Scheen, 2014).

Providers in My Area Who Treat T2DM

In my area, healthcare providers involved in treating T2DM include primary care clinics, endocrinology practices, and community health centers. Local hospitals also offer diabetic education programs and specialist consultations. Notably, the local University Medical Center has an endocrinology department dedicated to managing complex cases, alongside certified diabetes educators who assist patients in lifestyle modifications and self-management skills.

Conclusion

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a prevalent chronic disease that requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Recognizing symptoms, utilizing proper diagnostic tests, understanding disease progression, and addressing potential complications are crucial. Collaborating with various healthcare providers ensures optimal patient outcomes. Local healthcare facilities in my area provide essential services and specialist care, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare resources for individuals living with T2DM.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2020). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2020. Diabetes Care, 43(Supplement 1), S1–S212.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2021.
• UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Group. (1998). Effect of intensive blood-glucose control with metformin on complications in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 34). The Lancet, 352(9131), 854–865.
• Scheen, A. (2014). How to approach the diabetic patient: From diagnosis to treatment. Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, 8(4), 124–131.
• Nathan, D. M., et al. (2014). Medical management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes: A consensus algorithm for the initiation and adjustment of therapy. Diabetes Care, 37(1), 81–90.
• Inzucchi, S. E., et al. (2015). Management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, 2015: A patient-centered approach. Diabetes Care, 38(1), 140–149.
• DeFronzo, R. A. (2019). Pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Medical Clinics of North America, 103(4), 607–626.
• Natale, V., et al. (2020). The role of multidisciplinary management in diabetic patients: An integrative approach. Diabetic Medicine, 37(8), 1235–1243.
• American College of Endocrinology. (2020). AACE/ACE Comprehensive Clinical Practice Guide: Management of Diabetes and Its Complications.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Global report on diabetes. WHO Press.