Diabetes Type I and Type II

Diabetes Overview

As a CMAII in a healthcare setting you will be caring for patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus refers to diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugars. Sugar (Glucose) is a source of energy for the cell in the body. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain, requiring 145 grams of glucose from the breakdown of carbohydrates you eat.

It’s all about your pancreas…..

The pancreas is a small organ found in the back of the belly. Between the stomach and the spine. The Pancreas creates fluids called enzymes that break down carbohydrates in foods, fats, and starches.

The pancreas helps control blood sugar by releasing a powerful hormone called INSULIN. If the pancreas is not working the way it should, or a patient’s body can’t use the insulin it makes. Blood sugar levels go too high and the patient gets diabetes.

There are two types of Diabetes

Type 1 (used to be called Juvenile diabetes)

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin (Nobody knows why), It is chronic (Life Long) disease. It is a serious health problem requiring insulin everyday in order to live and be healthy. A child or an adult can develop Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 2

Diabetes 2 Develops over time, because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar. The long term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Certain people are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

1. Overweight (especially belly fat)
2. Lack of exercise
3. Poor Diet (Fast Food or Fried)
4. Family History
5. Genetics
6. Age
7. Geslatimal Diabetes (diabetes with pregnancy)
8. Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives due to inequities leading to health disparities.

What are the Signs of Diabetes

Signs of Diabetes in a patient, CMAIIs must report all signs and symptoms to the nurse:

1. Thirsty all the time, and drinking abnormal amounts of fluids.
2. Frequent urination
3. Feeling tired or Lethargic
4. Hungary, even after eating
5. Having cuts and sores that take a long time to heal
6. Blurred Vision
7. Very dry skin
8. Weight Loss
9. Numbness in the hands and feet.

Treatment of Diabetes

How are patients with type 1 Diabetes treated? There is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes. People with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce insulin. Patients must take insulin everyday for the remainder of their lives. And blood glucose levels must be monitored frequently.

Type 2 Diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise. Many patients still need extra support if diet and exercise is not enough, a doctor will prescribe medications that will assist the body’s ability to produce insulin more effectively.

Some diabetic patients take insulin injections into the soft tissue of their stomach, arms,  or buttocks several times a day. Other patients use an implanted insulin pump that supplies a steady amount of insulin through a small tube.

What is the Normal Range for Blood Sugar

Fasting Blood Glucose ( NO food for 8-10 hours) ranges between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL

Non Fasting Blood Glucose ranges between 70 mg/dL and 179 mg/dL taking into consideration when the last time a patient consumed food.

What are some signs and symptoms of high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia – too much sugar in the blood).

1. Thirsty all the time
2. Frequent Urination
3. Blurred Vision
4. Tired or Lethargic
5. Weight Loss
6. Numbness in Hands and Feet
7. Headache

What are the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia – not enough sugar in the blood).

1. Sweating (Alot)
2. Feeling weak and dizzy
3. Pale/ Flush Skin
4. Increased Heart Rate
5. Irritability
6. Confusion
7. Nervousness
8. Loss of Consciousness

If Hypoglycemia is left untreated it can lead to loss of consciousness seizures and death.

As a CAMII you will encounter patients experiencing Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is considered a medical emergency. Immediately initiate the Code Blue protocol and notify your nurse to ensure that the patient receives necessary care within a timely manner.

If Diabetes is left untreated the following complications can occur.

Heart Disease – High sugar in the blood leads to plaque that narrows blood vessels leading to a greater risk of a heart attack.

Stoke – If the vessels that are narrowed due to plaque are in the brain a stroke is likely

Kidney Disease – High blood sugar damages the lining of the blood vessels (nephrons) in the kidney. These tiny filtering units (nephrons) are irreversibly damaged.

Vision Loss – Sugar accumulates in the tiny vessels of the eyes, causing damage to the retina.

Neuropathy – Pain or numbness in the patient’s hand and feet. Over time the excess amounts of sugar in the blood can harm small arteries, decreasing a steady supply of Oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.