Diabetes Mellitus

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Diabetes Mellitus

Table of Contents

Objectives

What is Diabetes

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Types of Diabetes

Diet and Nutrition

Quiz

Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives

After completing this section you should be able to:

1. Describe diabetes mellitus

2. Describe signs and symptoms of diabetes.

3. Describe signs and symptoms of diabetes complications.

4. Describe dietary guidelines for people with diabetes.

5. Describe diabetic foot care.

go to What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disorder of the metabolism in which the body is unable to use food properly as the source of energy.

Ways the body normally uses food:

1. Food is eaten.

2. Food is broken down into simple sugars by enzymes in the digestive tract.

3. The sugar passes from the digestive tract into the blood stream. The sugar in the blood stream is called blood sugar or blood glucose.

4. Blood glucose promptly rises after food is eaten.

5. The pancreas secretes insulin into the blood stream.

Functions of the Pancreas: 

Exocrine - secretions of pancreatic juice aid in digestion. This is the main function of the pancreas.

Endocrine - secretions of hormones which control various body processes.   One hormone, INSULIN, is made by beta cells in the pancreas.   Insulin is very important in the regulation of food metabolism.

1. Cells in the body have receptor sites. When insulin attaches to the receptor sites, a passageway is made and glucose can enter the cell.

2. The insulin allows the millions of body cells to accept the sugar. The sugar is then changed within the cells into energy needed to sustain life and keep the body working normally.

Food Metabolism in Diabetes

If the pancreas is unable to release the insulin or if not enough insulin is released into the bloodstream, the sugar will remain in the blood stream causing the cells to starve. Elevated glucose in the blood is call Hyperglycemia.

High blood sugar is also called

Hyperglycemia

Ketoacidosis

Diabetic Coma

Diabetic acidosis

Too much sugar

go to Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Diabetes Mellitus

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Signs and symptoms of Hyperglycemia are:

1. Frequent urination ( the body tries to rid itself of excess sugar through urine )

2. Thirst (to flush the system of the excess sugar).

3. Weight loss (the body breaks down stored fats to use as energy).

4. Constant hunger (trying to meet the body’s need for energy).

5. Feeling weak and tired (cells are starving, not receiving sugar for energy).

6. Itchy or dry skin

7. Blurry eyesight

8. Skin or bladder infections

9. Slow healing of cuts/bruises

10. Some people show no signs at all

Hypoglycemia also called: Low blood sugar/Insulin reaction/insulin shock/too little sugar/too much insulin/too many diabetic pills.   Low blood sugar usually comes on quickly sometimes in minutes.

Causes of low blood sugar:

1. Skipping a meal or snack

2. Too much or wrong type of insulin or diabetic pills

3. Injecting insulin into or near muscles

4. Prescription or nonprescription medications can lower blood sugar

Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia

1. Headache

2. Sweat

3. Feeling hungry

4. Tired/sleepy

5. Behavior change, irritable or cross

6. Blurry vision

7. Passing out (syncope)

go to Types of Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus

Types of Diabetes

There are two major groups of people with diabetes:

Type I—Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or IDDM

Little or no insulin is produced and people with Type I diabetes must take insulin injections.   Although this disease may appear at any age, it usually is first diagnosed at a young age. Type I is an autoimmune disease with genetic and environmental factors.

Acidosis develops if sufficient insulin is not injected.

Type II – Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes or NIDDM.

90% of people with diabetes have Type II diabetes.   The body produces a varying amount of insulin and these people may need extra insulin. They rarely develop acidosis, except during stress. This type of diabetes is usually first diagnosed after the age of 30. Many people who develop this disorder are overweight.   Excess weight is thought to make the body resistant to the effect of the insulin being produced.   This type of diabetes is thought to be caused by heredity and/or environmental factors.

There is a third type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes, this type of diabetes is found in pregnant women.   Gestational diabetes exposes both mother and fetus to serious risks and must be taken seriously and treated carefully.   Many women who experienced this type of diabetes are found at a later age to develop Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

go to Diet and Nutrition

Diabetes Mellitus

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and Nutrition

The diabetes diet goal is to regulate blood sugar level.   All foods group from the Pyramid are acceptable but use lists of food called "Exchange Lists" (available from the American diabetes Association).   Recommended diets are those higher in starch and low in fat.

Foods to avoid: Table sugar, honey, carbonated sodas, alcoholic beverages, foods with high sugar contents.

*Foot care is essential in the diabetic patient.   Feet should be washed everyday with warm water — never hot.   Always check water temperature before putting the client’s feet into the basin.   Avoid long foot soaked due to possible skin breakdown from excessive softening from water.   Dry feet thoroughly and apply cream, do not cream between toes, wipe off excess cream.

Patient should always wear slippers or shoes with socks and should not wear socks that are too tight.   Cotton socks are recommended.

Encourage your Patient to: 

1. Stick to their treatment plan of blood sugar monitoring, diet, medication and exercise to keep blood sugar as close to normal as possible.

2. Keep their weight as close to ideal as possible.

3. Learn as much as they can about diabetes and how they can take care of themselves.

4. Exercise regularly for a healthy heart and circulation and to help control blood sugar according to the care plan.

5. Eat a low cholesterol diet to decrease risk of atherosclerosis.

6. Avoid smoking, which interferes with circulation and is associated with heart disease.

7. *Daily feet care.

8. Take care of their skin to prevent infection.

9. Have an eye exam once a year.

10. Follow medication regime, check with the doctor before taking over the counter medications.

Take a quiz

Diabetes Mellitus

Quiz

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