Diabetes mellitus or Diabetes, the not-so-sweet chronic metabolic disorder, is a real party pooper. It likes to ruin the lives of millions worldwide.
If left untreated, it can cause all sorts of damage to the patient’s various organs, which is totally not cool.
That’s why you doctors need to help your patients understand how to prevent or manage this unwelcome guest. And as if one type of diabetes wasn’t enough, there are actually several types, including type 1, type 2, type 1.5, gestational, and prediabetes.
Depending on the type, the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of diabetes vary, but don’t worry; together, we will help your patients figure it out.
If you are looking to arm yourself with Diabetes knowledge, we are here to your rescue. Let’s team up to tackle diabetes and help people avoid its pitfalls.
Ready to get started? Let’s begin . . .
Types Of Diabetes
Let’s break it down – Diabetes, the chronic metabolic disorder that messes with one’s body’s sugar levels, has a few different types. AND, THESE ARE DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MESSED WITH.
- Type 1: To begin with, we first have Type 1. An autoimmune disorder that destroys insulin-making cells in your pancreas, and no one knows why it happens. *Sigh*
- Type 2: The most common type, where the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing blood sugar to spike like a roller coaster.
- Type 1.5: The sneaky one that slowly creeps up on in adulthood, but don’t be fooled, it’s an autoimmune disease, and won’t be fooled by a healthy diet or lifestyle.
- Gestational: The unexpected guest at the pregnancy party is caused by hormones from the placenta that block insulin, leaving the mommy’s blood sugar high.
- If that wasn’t enough, there’s also prediabetes. It is a condition where your blood sugar is higher than it should be. But, not high enough to be diabetes type 2. It’s like the warning shot before the real battle begins.
Shockingly, over 80% of people with prediabetes don’t even know they have it. So, better for people to get tested before it’s too late.
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General Symptoms
Moving to the basics of diabetes symptoms.
Depending on the type of diabetes, symptoms may vary, but here are some common ones to watch out for.
If your patients feel like they’re constantly thirsty, hungry, losing weight, and making frequent trips to the bathroom, their bodies could be signaling that something’s not right.
Moreover, blurry vision, fatigue, and pesky sores that won’t heal are also red flags that your patients must keep an eye on.
Treatment & Management Of Diabetes
There are a variety of approaches for managing diabetes that can be tailored to your patient’s unique needs. This includes the type of diabetes they have, their overall health, and how well their blood sugar is controlled.
Insulin Delivery
For those with Type 1 diabetes, insulin is essential for survival as the pancreas no longer produces it. However, some people with Type 2 or Gestational Diabetes may also require insulin delivery.
A variety of methods for insulin delivery are available, including vials and syringes, pens and pen needles, pumps, injection ports, jet injectors, etc.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Another crucial step for effective diabetes management of your patients is maintaining consistent blood sugar levels.
Regular blood glucose monitoring with a meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help with this. However, you are required to check your patient’s A1C levels as well.
The A1C chart provides an average glucose level over the past two to three months. This can help you monitor your patient’s overall blood sugar levels.
Customized Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Plans
Important: Whether your patient has Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes, their treatment plan must include a variety of options to curb the condition. These options are viable to help the patients stay healthy and manage their symptoms before they hit the limit line.
Medications
Above all, other non-insulin medications may also be needed to manage Type 2 or Gestational Diabetes.
There are over 30 FDA-approved oral and injectable medications available for diabetes treatment. You can prescribe them in conjunction with insulin therapy.
Lifestyle Changes To Recommend To Your Patients
Revamping lifestyle is key in managing diabetes and curbing side effects of diabetes. This helps diabetics ensure their blood sugar levels are in check, mitigating complications, and boosting their overall well-being.
To attain these goals, you must suggest your patients implement the following lifestyle changes, irrespective of the type they have.
- 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week
- Prioritizing quality sleep
- Shedding extra pounds if overweight
- Adopting a balanced diet
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing stress levels
- Moderating alcohol consumption
- Regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Taking medications as prescribed
Attending all medical appointments and tests timely
Offer Your Patients The Right Support
Living with diabetes can be a challenging journey. But, it’s a journey that doesn’t have to be taken alone. As healthcare professionals, you must team up with your patients and develop customized plans that incorporate lifestyle modifications and medications when necessary.
By providing the right guidance and support, you can empower your patients to live vibrant lives despite their diabetes.
Let’s partner together and help every diabetic progress! If you have more queries, please feel free to pen them down in the comments. We’d be happy to help you out!
