treatment plans available to patients who have diabetes
The following paper seeks to discuss treatment plans available to patients who have diabetes. After comparing the methods, the paper will present a case study of a patient and implement the treatment. Diabetes is a condition that inhibits the body’s ability to process blood sugar. In the United States, 27.9%-32.7% of the population above 18 years is estimated to have either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Adequate care is needed to manage diabetes to avoid complications such as stroke and heart disease. There are different types of diabetes. These include:
- Type 1 diabetes: this occurs when the body does not produce adequate insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: in this case, the body produces insulin, but the cells in the body do not respond to it effectively.
- Gestational diabetes: this occurs in women who are pregnant. The body becomes less sensitive to insulin; however, it is resolved after birth.
Despite the presence of different types of diabetes, the treatment plans share the essential elements such as lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring. The American Diabetes Association has put in place screening guidelines. The following are the people who should be screened:
- A person with a body mass index higher than 25, Asians 23, regardless of their age and has some of the following risk factors, high blood pressure, unusual cholesterol levels, does not engage in physical activity often, has kin with diabetes and has a history of diabetes,
- People above 45 are supposed to be screened, and if the results are typical, the tests should be carried out every three years.
Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- A woman who has experienced gestational diabetes is supposed t screened after every three years.
- Anyone diagnosed with pre-diabetes is to be screened annually.
Tests for type 1 and 2 diabetes include:
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test: this is a blood test that indicates the average blood glucose level within the past three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin. An A1C level of 6.5% and above on more than indicates one has diabetes, while a range between 5.7 and 6.4 indicates pre-diabetes. A rating of below 5.7 is considered normal.
Random blood sugar test: a blood sample is taken randomly regardless of the time the patient took their last meal. An arbitrary sugar level of 200miligrams per decilitre or 11.1 mill moles per liter or higher indicates diabetes.
Fasting blood sugar level: this a blood sample taken after an overnight fast. A blood sugar level less than 100mg/dl is normal; a range of 100-125 mg/dl is considered pre-diabetes, while a level above 126mg/dl on two separate tests indicates the presence of diabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test: after fasting overnight, the blood sugar level is tested. After that, the subject takes a sugary liquid, and glucose is checked after every 2hours. A glucose level of less than 140mg/dl is considered normal; 200mg/dl after 2 hours indicates diabetes, while a reading between 140 and 199mg/dl indicates prediabetes.
A urine test is carried out to confirm type 1 diabetes.
Home remedy to manage diabetes.
Balanced diet:
A person with diabetes is advised to take a diet with a high percentage of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This diet has elevated nutrition and fiber value and low in fat and calories. They are expected to avoid processed foods, saturated fats, and sweets. A patient is advised to consult a dietician on the right quantity depending on the food type and quality available and lifestyle.
Regular exercises:
Regular physical activity increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin hence reducing the demand for insulin in the body. Tasks also consume glucose as energy; therefore, the body burns the excess sugar. The activities include walking, swimming, and running, depending on the preferences of the patient. If the patient has not been active for a considerable period, they are advised to start with low impact exercises and progress from there.
Medicinal remedies to diabetes:
Insulin
All patients of diabetes need insulin therapy. There are different types of insulin; these include the fast-acting insulin, long-acting insulin, and intermediate options. The option used depends on the patient’s needs. Insulin is applied though injections because if taken orally will interfere with digestion. An insulin pump can also be used to deliver continuous doses of insulin both day and night. Synthetic insulin is produced in laboratories, while non-synthetic animal insulin is offered in some institutions.
SGLT2 inhibitors:
These drugs prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar into the blood. The sugar is then excreted through urine and sweat. These medications also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among patients. The side effects include vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and low blood pressure.
GLP-1 receptor antagonists:
These slow down digestion hence lowering the blood sugar levels. Their use leads to weight loss, nausea, and an increased chance of developing pancreatitis. These include exenatide and semaglutide.
Metformin: this lowers glucose production by the liver and improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, therefore, ensuring that the body uses the available insulin efficiently. Side effects include diarrhea and nausea; however, they may disappear as the patient’s body gets used to the medication.
Sulfonylureas
These make the body secrete more insulin. Side effects include low blood sugar and weight gain. They include glyburide and glimepiride.
All diabetes treatment plans require regular and detailed monitoring of blood sugar levels. The frequency will depend on the treatment plan. Patients taking insulin have to take glucose readings several times a day. Control ensures that the blood sugar levels remain within the acceptable range, and any anomalies are identified on time and resolved.
Comparison between lifestyle changes and medicine
It is challenging to choose the most effective treatment plan. Diabetes can not be self-treated; therefore, home remedy’s implementation can only be under the supervision of a doctor. Hence, depending on the severity of the disease, a doctor may prescribe a combination of the two. However, it is essential to note that both treatment plans can be implemented together without having adverse effects on the patient’s health. For example, a proper diet coupled with the right dosage of medication avoids the seesaw effect. This effect is occasioned when there is a rapid change in patient’s glucose levels and might lead to a change in medicine. Patients with pre-diabetes are encouraged to change their lifestyles to keep the disease at bay. Home remedies are also suitable for all members of society because diabetes does not have to be genetic. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity predispose even healthy people to diabetes.
Cultural issues surrounding diabetes:
A United States survey found that diabetes is 60% more prevalent among Asian Americans as compared to non-Hispanic whites. Since self-care s one of the pillars in the management of diabetes, the population is encouraged to follow the Diabetes Self Management Education guidelines. However, due to the language barrier, most Asians do not get to access these guidelines. Therefore there is a need to develop Asian friendly guidelines.
Religious issues
There is a need to develop a treatment model that takes into account various religious beliefs and practices such as the Muslims who have to fast during the Holy month of Ramadan.
The diagnosis of diabetes often leads to emotional, physical, and financial stress. Therefore doctors can incorporate spiritual aspects into the lifestyles of practicing patients to help them have a positive outlook and dampen the effects of depression and improve the lifestyle habits of the sick.
Social issues:
Education is a critical social aspect in the fight against diabetes. Communities with adequate education levels are well informed on the risk factors of diabetes hence allowing them to seek medical attention on time.