In this case, Alejandro Garcia had a well-controlled type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) disorder. In type 1 DM, the immune system destroys the beta cells producing insulin in the body, resulting in low glucose control in the patient’s bloodstream. Garcia considered himself healthy for a long time and seemingly was able to control the disease with adherence to dietary and exercise recommendations, essential for individuals with DM.
The Problem Itself
Garcia reduced his insulin dosage because he wanted to compensate for the minimal amount of food he consumed at dinner. Garcia was unfamiliar with the fact that skipping meals can result in dangerous changes in blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, Garcia failed to recognize vomiting as the symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis and remained immobile for the most part of the day, which also contributed to increased blood sugar levels. Lastly, lack of food and insulin intake during the next day ended with Garcia being forced to turn to ED for help.
A Plan for Solving the Problem
The patient lacks knowledge about the mechanisms of insulin’s work and the factors influencing blood sugar levels, such as physical activity and regular meals. In addition, the patient associated the medication intake regulation with the volume of food consumption. The problem can be sourced in the cultural perception of the medical model, where a patient seeks treatment from the service provider for one specific “disease” (Woodside & McClam, 2019, p. 102). Naturally, when the patient is affected by another disease, such as flu, he suspends the treatment of the primary disease. Thus, informing the patient about the importance of regular medication intake, physical activity, and adherence to diet in maintaining diabetes can solve the problem.
The Expected Result
The patient will acquire a better understanding of his condition and potential factors affecting his blood sugar levels. The acquired knowledge will prevent the occurrence of similar cases in the patient’s future and increase his adherence to dietary and physical activity recommendations. Lastly, the patient will address the factors influencing his perception of the medical model.
References
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2019). An introduction to Human Services (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.