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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin

resistance and relative insulin deficiency, leading to uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Despite medication adherence and lifestyle modifications, patients often face challenges in

managing their condition effectively, necessitating a comprehensive approach to care(Goyal

et al., 2023). This paper explores the pathophysiology of type 2 DM, health assessment

findings, and nursing interventions using a clinical judgment model.

A complex interaction between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors leads to

type 2 diabetes. The disease's defining feature, insulin resistance, is caused by a compromised

cellular response to insulin, which lowers the absorption of glucose by muscle and adipose

tissues. Pancreatic beta cells also fall short in this regard, leading to a relative insulin

deficiency. This leads to hyperglycemia, which aggravates microvascular and macrovascular

problems such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Glycemic

control is the main goal of treatment approaches, which include lifestyle changes, medication

adherence, and, if required, insulin therapy (Himanshu et al., 2020).

In assessing a 55-year-old male with uncontrolled type 2 DM, subjective symptoms

such as polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and blurred vision are noted, indicative of

hyperglycemia and potential complications. Objective findings include elevated blood

glucose levels, elevated blood pressure, BMI > 30, and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy

such as decreased sensation. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive

evaluation to identify and manage both acute and chronic complications associated with

diabetes (Vera, 2019).

Nursing interventions prioritize glycemic control from a pathophysiologic standpoint in order

to reduce the immediate risks associated with uncontrolled diabetes. This calls for a

multimodal strategy that includes proactive screening for complications, lifestyle changes,
and medication optimization. The clinical judgment model directs the setting of priorities,

with inadequate glycemic control receiving top priority in order to avert potentially fatal

situations such as diabetic ketoacidosis. To improve long-term health outcomes, diabetic

neuropathy management and screening for possible complications are then addressed

(Romero-Castillo et al., 2022).

The accomplishment of predetermined objectives, such as glycemic control and

problem prevention, is used to evaluate the efficacy of nursing interventions. Measurable

results can be obtained through lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and routine blood

glucose monitoring. Furthermore, continuous monitoring for indications of complications

enables prompt intervention and modification of the treatment plan as necessary. Glycemic

targets, symptom relief, and the avoidance of complications are among the evaluation criteria,

guaranteeing patient-specific, all-encompassing care (Ernawati et al., 2021).

Moreover, reviewing established clinical practice guidelines from reputable

organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the International Diabetes

Federation (IDF) offers evidence-based recommendations for diabetes management,

encompassing treatment modalities, lifestyle modifications, and complication screening.

Additionally, meta-analyses and systematic reviews provide a comprehensive synthesis of

evidence from multiple studies, facilitating an understanding of intervention outcomes and

identification of best practices in diabetes management. These evidence sources serve as

invaluable tools for healthcare professionals, guiding decision-making and ensuring that

interventions are grounded in the latest scientific evidence. By incorporating

recommendations from clinical guidelines and evidence synthesis, healthcare providers can

optimize patient care and improve outcomes in diabetes management (Russell Seth Martins et

al., 2023).
Furthermore, tracking clinical indicators creates standards for assessing the

effectiveness of nursing interventions. These indicators include target blood glucose levels,

HbA1c levels, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and body weight. Frequent evaluation of these

indicators makes it possible to continuously assess the effectiveness of treatment and make

any required revisions to the care plan. Furthermore, evaluating patient-centered outcomes—

such as improvements in functional status, quality of life, symptoms, and satisfaction with

care—provides insightful information on the effect of interventions from the viewpoint of the

patient (Sherwani et al., 2016). Quality-of-life evaluations and patient-reported outcome

measures (PROMs) track alterations in health over time. Monitoring the occurrence and

development of complications associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy, nephropathy,

retinopathy, and cardiovascular events, helps assess how well interventions work to reduce

long-term risks and improve overall health outcomes. Thus, assessing self-management

abilities and diabetes self-care behaviors in addition to evaluating patient adherence to

treatment regimens, including medication adherence, dietary adherence, and physical activity

engagement, offers insights into the patient's capacity to maintain behavior changes and meet

treatment objectives (Farhan Jalees Ahmad & Joshi, 2023).

To sum up, the nursing care plan for a patient with type 2 diabetes

highlights the significance of using evidence-based interventions to achieve

glycemic control and avoid complications. Nurses may efficiently prioritize care

by using the clinical judgment model, addressing urgent issues while aiming for

long-term health optimization. Nurses have a critical role in improving the

quality of life and outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus through

ongoing assessment, intervention, and evaluation.


Goyal, R., Jialal, I., & Singhal, M. (2023, June 23). Diabetes mellitus type 2. National Center

for Biotechnology Information; StatPearls Publishing.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513253/

Himanshu, D., Ali, W., & Wamique, M. (2020). Type 2 diabetes mellitus: pathogenesis and

genetic diagnosis. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 19(2).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-020-00641-x

Vera, M. (2019, May 28). Diabetes Mellitus Nursing Care Plans: 13 Nursing Diagnosis -

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Romero-Castillo, R., Pabón-Carrasco, M., Jiménez-Picón, N., & Ponce-Blandón, J. A.

(2022). Effects of Nursing Diabetes Self-Management Education on Glycemic Control and

Self-Care in Type 1 Diabetes: Study Protocol. International Journal of Environmental

Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5079. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095079

Ernawati, U., Wihastuti, T. A., & Utami, Y. W. (2021). Effectiveness of diabetes self-

management education (DSME) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients: Systematic

literature review. Journal of Public Health Research, 10(2), 198–202.

https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2021.2240

Farhan Jalees Ahmad, & Joshi, S. H. (2023). Self-Care Practices and Their Role in the

Control of Diabetes: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(7). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.41409

Sherwani, S. I., Khan, H. A., Ekhzaimy, A., Masood, A., & Sakharkar, M. K. (2016).

Significance of Hba1c Test in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Diabetic Patients. Biomarker

Insights, 11(11), BMI.S38440. https://doi.org/10.4137/bmi.s38440

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