Introduction
For diabetic patients, managing blood glucose levels within the range endorsed by the physician can be thought-provoking (Bergman, 2011). As such, many factors make blood sugar levels vary unpredictably. There are four areas in which diabetic patients should be informed, which are indicated below.
Main body
Insulin exists in Humalog and Novolog forms. They are both employed in diabetes medications. The two treatments aid in controlling glucose levels in patients suffering from diabetes. As such, the primary differences between the two drugs are that Lantus is gradually administered to normalize low levels of insulin. On the other hand, Humalog is dosed as complementary insulin and is taken during meal times. Lantus is aimed at giving diabetics a 24-hour period of control. On the contrary, Humalog is intended to provide patients with the ability to seal the breaks of sugar levels.
Researchers have indicated that Lispro insulin is absorbed faster than natural insulin (Gadsby, 2009). The insulin starts to act 10 to 15 minutes after they have been administered. As such, the peak time for this type of insulin is observed between 30 to 90 minutes after medication. Regular insulin’s peak time varies from 50 to 120 minutes. Lispro insulin’s duration lasts for 3 to 4 hours.
The three types of insulin (NPH, Lantus, and Lispro, are used in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus. KW asserts that she knows people who use NPH, but I will advise her not to use this kind of medication. As such, the use of NPH compared to the other types of treatments is that it increases the chances of developing hypoglycemia. Notably, I advise KW to take Lispro and Lantus instead of NPH owing to their associated advantages. Lispro and Lantus will offer her an extensive period of insulin. Through this, her chances of developing nocturnal hypoglycemia will be lower.
In their pharmacologic therapy, people with type 1 diabetes mellitus should note that they need enduring insulin treatment. Most patients need two or more doses of insulin every day. The injections should be regulated based on self-checking of blood sugar points. Lasting management necessitates a multidisciplinary method that comprises doctors, nurses, dietitians, and designated professionals. The above implies that the patient should work closely with her physicians to ensure the success of her therapy. She should work together with professionals to achieve glycemic goals. The objectives should focus on sleep time and hemoglobin levels.
Below are the points I would include in the teaching plan for KW to help her manage her insulin therapy with ease:
- Different injections will be required to administer Humalog and Lantus.
- Humalog can be stored at room temperature for almost 30 days.
- Preferably, Lantus should be taken at bedtime.
- Unused insulin should be stored in a refrigerator.
- Take Humalog before 15 elapses after eating.
KW should note that glucose monitoring would help her to manage her ailment and evade its related problems. Through this process, she will be required to utilize the outcomes to come up with vital decisions about nutrition, physical exercise, and medications. The most standard method to inspect glucose levels comprises piercing a fingertip with a reflex piercing tool to get blood samples. After that, a glucose meter is used to analyze the blood sections to determine their glucose level.
KW diet comprises food high in carbohydrates. Similarly, her day-to-day activities imply that she takes her meals at different times. Based on the above illustrations, it is apparent that she should employ CHO counting to control her blood sugar levels. The process is aimed at regulating the levels of CHO ingested at mealtimes. By calculating the percentage of starches in foodstuff, KW can be able to regulate the rate she ingests during each meal. The above process will help KW to enhance her blood glucose management. Through this, she will be able to lessen the chances of developing future complications associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Similarly, the procedure will help her to understand the blood glucose assessments.
MNT is an effective means of managing diabetes. Because KW is under insulin therapy, her diet should be regulated to avoid complications associated with hypoglycemia. As such, she should adhere to the choices illustrated below:
- She should take some carbohydrates to supply the body with the required energy, vitamins, and fiber
- Her carbohydrates intake should not exceed 130 gr a day.
- Her dietary cholesterol consumption should not surpass 200 mg daily.
- She should ingest saturated fat intake of not more than 7% of her daily intake
- She should consume non-fried fish on a weekly basis. The fish will saturate her with the much-needed form of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 lessens complications associated with adverse cardiovascular disease.
- She should consume enough quality proteins. Proteins can aid in the management of weight loss
- Other than the macronutrients, she should also note that micronutrients are a vital constituent of her stable diet.
Exercise is a significant component of type 1 diabetes medication. Through this, KW can be able to manage long-term complications related to the disease. As such, practice will enable her to control her blood glucose with ease. The practice helps patients who suffer from type one diabetes mellitus by enhancing their insulin sensitivity. After training, a patient’s body does not require much insulin to manage glucose levels in the blood. A regular workout will also help KW to avoid long-term impediments such as heart problems. Lower blood pressure, enhanced control of weight, leaner, stronger muscles, and stronger bones are some of the benefits she will gain from engaging in physical exercise.
There are exercise precautions that diabetic people should follow. Occasionally patients experience a decrease in their sugar levels in or after exercise. Therefore, it is very imperative to monitor glucose levels and take necessary precautions during and after the practice. Through this, KW will be able to manage hypoglycemia. If her sugar levels are low prior to the exercise, she should take a pre-workout snack. When her blood sugar levels are higher during or after the practice, she should test her urine to confirm if ketones are present. If the test turns out to be positive, she should shun vigorous exercise.
For diabetic women, pregnancies may result in particular problems for both the mothers and children (Mazze, 2012). When a pregnant woman is diabetic, there is a chance of early labor, birth deficiencies, and babies being overweight. Increased high blood glucose levels are a threat to both the mother and her fetus. In this regard, diabetic women are counseled to control their blood glucose level close to the standard range for two to three months in advance of scheduling a pregnancy. Managing blood glucose at an average level before and during the pregnancy assists in safeguarding the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
To determine whether my teaching was effective, I will undertake the following:
- Ask KW questions to observe if there is material or service that needs enhancement or re-teaching.
- Offer KW simple assessments prior, during, and after teaching to evaluate her cognitive learning abilities.
- Talk with KW’s family members to get their sentiments on how well she is undertaking her daily tasks.
- Measure her physiological quantities like weight and blood sugar levels to assess if she has been adhering to the required instructions.
- Appraise KW’s record of self-monitored blood glucose levels and weight to evaluate if she has attained the required levels on her own.
As indicated in the case study, KW skipped her meals and failed to administer insulin. She has presented herself with symptoms of hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is apparent that she is not following the physician’s directives.
Based on the case study, I would advise KW to follow the physician’s instructions. KW should note that glucose monitoring would help her to manage her ailment and evade its related problems (Parsa, 2012). Through this process, she will be required to utilize the outcomes to come up with vital decisions about nutrition, physical exercise, and medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing blood glucose levels in the range endorsed by the physician can be difficult. As such, many factors make blood sugar levels fluctuate unpredictably. With respect to the case study, it is apparent that the patients follow the physician’s instructions.
References
Bergman, M. (2011). Prediabetes and diabetes prevention. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Gadsby, R. (2009). Vital diabetes management. London: Class Health.
Mazze, R. (2012). Staged diabetes management (3rd ed.). Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell.
Parsa, P. (2012). Endocrine disorders. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.