NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology
Week 5: Endocrine System Disorders and the Treatment of Diabetes
The endocrine system includes eight major glands throughout the body which affect such things as growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, and mood (National Institutes of Health). Some of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorders include hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Hashimoto’s disease. Not surprisingly, treating any one endocrine disorder may have effects on other body systems or their functions. As an advanced practice nurse, treating patients who may suffer from endocrine disorders requires an acute understanding of the structure and function of the endocrine system. Additionally, a solid understanding of patient factors and behaviors will Help in developing the best drug therapy plans possible to treat your patients. Some of most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorders include NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology
This week, you differentiate the types of diabetes and examine the impact of diabetes drugs on patients. You also evaluate alternative drug treatments and patient education strategies for diabetes management.
Reference: National Institutes of Health. (n. d.). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Endocrine diseases. Retrieved July 3, 2019 from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Differentiate types of diabetes
Evaluate the impact of diabetes drugs on patients
Evaluate alternative drug treatments and patient education strategies for diabetes management
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments
Photo Credit: [Mark Hatfield]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images
Each year, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2019). If left untreated, diabetic patients are at risk for several alterations, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, neuropathy, and blindness. There are various methods for treating diabetes, many of which include some form of drug therapy. The type of diabetes as well as the patient’s behavior factors will impact treatment recommendations.
For this Discussion, you compare types of diabetes, including drug treatments for type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.
Reference: American Diabetes Association. (2019). Statistics about diabetes. Retrieved from http://diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/ NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology
To Prepare
Review the Resources for this module and reflect on differences between types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.
Select one type of diabetes to focus on for this Discussion.
Consider one type of drug used to treat the type of diabetes you selected, including proper preparation and administration of this drug. Then, reflect on dietary considerations related to treatment.
Think about the short-term and long-term impact of the diabetes you selected on patients, including effects of drug treatments.
By Day 3 of Week 5
Post a brief explanation of the differences between the types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes. Describe one type of drug used to treat the type of diabetes you selected, including proper preparation and administration of this drug. Be sure to include dietary considerations related to treatment. Then, explain the short-term and long-term impact of this type of diabetes on patients. including effects of drug treatments. Be specific and provide examples NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology.
-SAMPLE NOTES-
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. There are several different types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the immune system destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence and requires daily injections of insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes, which is caused by the body’s inability to properly use insulin. This type of diabetes typically develops later in life and is often linked to obesity and physical inactivity. It can often be managed with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and with oral medications, but some individuals may require insulin injections as well.
Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. Women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Juvenile diabetes which is a general term for diabetes that develops in children or adolescents, which is usually type 1 diabetes.
For the purpose of this assignment I will focus on Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type of diabetes.
One type of drug used to treat type 2 diabetes is metformin, which is a member of the biguanide class of drugs. It works by decreasing the liver’s production of glucose and increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. It can be taken orally and is usually administered twice daily.
Proper preparation and administration of metformin includes taking the drug with a meal to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Patients should also monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and inform their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms while taking the medication.
Dietary considerations related to treatment of type 2 diabetes include limiting intake of carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats and added sugars. Monitoring the caloric intake and ensuring a balance of macronutrients is also essential.
Type 2 diabetes can have significant short-term and long-term impacts on patients. In the short-term, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and the development of diabetic ketoacidosis. Long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and retinopathy (eye damage).
Metformin, like most drugs has potential side effects that include: diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset and headaches. Lactic acidosis which is a rare but serious side effect that mostly occurs in patients who have kidney or liver disease.
While effective, it is important to note that metformin alone is not sufficient to control diabetes in all patients, thus a multidisciplinary approach involving lifestyle modifications and other medications may be necessary to achieve optimal blood sugar control.
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By Day 6 of Week 5
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days who selected a different type of diabetes than you did. Provide recommendations for alternative drug treatments and patient education strategies for treatment and management.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link, and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
