A1C: glycated hemoglobin, takes average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months. An A1C
level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates you have diabetes.(American
Diabetes Association, 2016)
Random blood sugar test: random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL (11.1
mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes (American Diabetes Association,
2016)
Checking blood sugar:
before meals/snacks, before
bed, before exercising and
driving (American Diabetes Association, 2016)
After meals no higher than 180 mg/dL (10mmol/L)
(American Diabetes Association, 2016)
Fasting blood sugar test: blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)
considered prediabetes. 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate occasions,
have diabetes. (American Diabetes Association, 2016)
Presence of ketones: byproduct from the break down of fat in urine
(American Diabetes Association, 2016)
Complications
Pregnancy complications: high risk for birth defects if poorly controlled
first 6-8 wks of pregnancy (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2016)
Hyperglycemia: sustained blood sugar over 7 mmol/l or
126 mg/dL is diagnostic (Canadian Diabetes Association,
2016)
Pancreas Transplant: life time of potent
immune suppressing drugs to prevent
organ rejection. Usually reserved for
those with difficult to manage diabetes
(Mayo Clinic, 2016)
Stem cell transplant (Mayo Clinic, 2016)
Exercise: 30 mins anaerobic activity (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2016)
Identify yourself, wear an ID medical bracelet (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2016)
Keep immunizations up to date - increased blood sugar weakens the immune system (Canadian
Diabetes Association, 2016)
Pay attention to feet - daily wash with luke warm water and moisturize. Check for any cuts, blisters,
sores, redness (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2016)
Get BP/cholesterol under control to decrease kidney damamge (Canadian Diabetes
Association, 2016)
quit smoking
Nursing Interventions
Stress of acute illness/surgery
Check BG (blood glucose) q4h if BG >14 mmol/L – urine test
for ketones. Continue with meds administration as prescribed.
Continue with regular meal plan Extra insulin may be required
(Michel, 2014)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Monitor patient closely for: BG, urine
for output/ketones, lab tests, IV fluids to
correct dehydration. Insulin therapy,
Electrolytes therapy: Potassium
imbalance. (ECG) Assess: VS-for fever,
hypovolemic shock, tachycardia and
Kussmaul’s breathing. Renal status,
cardiovascular (related to hydration),
electrolyte levels , LOC (Michael, 2014)
Hypoglycemia (BG <4 mmol/L)
Mild/moderate: Administer 15—20 g of simple
carb, repeat in 15 min Administer complex carbs
with protein or fat if next meal 1h away Notify
physician immediately is symptoms do not subside
(Michael, 2014)
Severe hypoglycemia: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
of 1 mg glucagon IV of 20-50 ml of dextrose 50% in water given
over 1-3min (Michael, 2014)
Figure 4. Illustration of main
symptoms of Diabetes type 1.
Adapted from “Diabetes
Mellitus type 1” by Wikipedia,
2016, Wikipedia.org. Retrieved
October 27, 2016, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_1
Figure 5. Illustration of diabetic needle.
Adapted from “Insulin Needles & Syringes” by
Bandageer, 2016, bandager.info. Retrieved
October 27, 2016, from
http://bandageer.info/insulin-needles-and-syringes/
Figure 1. Illustration of Healthy Diet. Adapted from “Five best tips for breast cancer
prevention” by E. Woods, 2013, EzineMark.com. Retrieved October 27, 2016 from
http://health.ezinemark.com/five-best-tips-for-breast-cancer-prevention-7736346520c2.html.
Copyright
(c)2005-2013
by
EzineMark.com.
Figure 2. Illustration of physical activity. Adapted from “Five best
tips for breast cancer prevention” by E. Woods, 2013,
EzineMark.com. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from
http://health.ezinemark.com/five
best-tips-for-breast-cancer-prevention-7736346520c2.html.
Copyright (c)2005-2013 by EzineMark.com.
Figure 3. Illustration of anti-smoking. Adapted from “Need to quit
smoking” by Wordpress, 2016, Needtostopsmoking.com. Retrieved
October 27, 2016, from
http://needtoquitsmoking.com/great-tips-quit-smoking/