Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational Diabetes)

Description
Diabetes Melitus (DM) refers to the abnormal processing of glucose in the body which may cause different groups of diseases in the body. Glucose (a type of
sugar which is a carbohydrate) is used as a form of energy source for cells that make up bodily tissues such as muscles, skin etc. These forms of bodily sugars
may be pulled from either the food humans eat, or the liver. When there is too much sugar consumption than the average needs of a human, it will be stored as
glycogen in the liver. Insulin, made in the pancreas, is what makes it possible for our body to use these sugars. The pancreas secrete insulin to the bloodstream
to regulate the sugar and use them as energy source for our body. What happens in the condition Diabetes Melitus, is that the sugar cannot enter the cells of the
body because of decreased insulin production or insulin resistance, resulting in sugar build-up in the bloodstream. There are three types of Diabetes Melitus
(DM); type 1, type 2, and Gestational.

Etiology Risk Factors Signs and Symptoms Diagnostic Laboratory Findings

The three classifications of Diabetes Melitus and its etiology: Risk factors for type 1 diabetes: Increased thirst
In type 1 (an autoimmune disorder), weight is not a factor of Family history
Fasting Plasma Blood Glucose - An FPG test
Frequent urination
Diabetes, but what happens is the immune system attacks Environmental factors measures the amount of sugar in the blood without
the insulin-producing cells in pancreas. Therefore, you lose Extreme hunger
The presence of damaging immune system cells
insulin, making sugars unable to be transported to the cells Unexplained weight loss the effect of food intake and is a good indicator of
(autoantibodies)
resulting in sugar build-up in the bloodstream. Geography glucose metabolism.
Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a
In type 2 (the most common type of diabetes, which makes Risk factors for type 2 diabetes:
up 90% to 95% of diabetic cases in the United States of Age
byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat Oral Glucose Tolerance Test - The 2-hour plasma
Weight
America (USA)), weight is a factor of Diabetes. What Gestational diabetes that happens when there's not enough available glucose (PG) OGTT is used to assess the body’s
Inactivity
happens in type 2 is that the cells in itselves become Polycystic ovary syndrome
Family history insulin)
resistant to the actions of insulin. Since the pancreas cannot High blood pressure response to sugar and is performed using a
Race or ethnicity Fatigue
produce enough for the resistance, then sugar will build-up
Abnormal cholesterol glucose load containing the equivalent of 75 g of
in the bloodstream. Irritability
and triglyceride levels anhydrous glucose dissolved in water.
In Gestational Diabetes, the condition occurs in pregnancy.
Risk factors for Gestational Diabetes: Blurred vision
While a fetus is inside the system of the mother, the placenta
Age Slow-healing sores
Hemoglobin A1c - The A1c test is used to assess
of the mother produces hormones to sustain pregnancy
Family or personal history glycemic control.
which makes the cells immune to insulin. The pancreas then Frequent infections, such as gums or skin
tries it’s best to increase production on insulin in mitigation Weight
Race or ethnicity infections and vaginal infections
for the resistance. But, once the pancreas can’t keep up
glucose stays and builds up in the bloodstream.

Complications Nursing Diagnosis Nursing Implementation

Cardiovascular disease Discuss with the patient the need for activity. Promote energy conservation techniques by
Foot damage Fatigue Alternate activity with periods of rest and discussing conserving energy while bathing,
Skin condition related to uninterrupted sleep.. transferring, and performing ADLs.
Alzheimer's disease Discuss ways of conserving energy while bathing, Provide adequate ventilation.
Altered Body
Depression transferring, and so on. Instruct the patient to perform deep breathing
Hyperglycemia Chemistry: Increase patient participation in ADLs as tolerated. exercises.
Hypoglycemia Insufficient Discuss with the patient the need for activity. Provide comfort and safety measures.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Insulin Alternate activity with periods of rest or Administer oxygen as ordered.
Hyperosmolar uninterrupted sleep
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, October 30). Diabetes. Mayo
Clinic. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

Diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus | Choose the Right Test. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from
https://arupconsult.com/content/diabetes-mellitus