Review the Resources for this module and reflect on differences between types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.

Diabetes and drug treatments | NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology | Walden University

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to process glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels. There are several types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body is resistant to insulin, or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and juvenile diabetes is a term used to describe type 1 diabetes in children.

One type of drug used to treat type 2 diabetes is metformin, which is an oral medication that helps to lower blood glucose levels by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity. Proper preparation of metformin involves taking it with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. The dosage and frequency of metformin will depend on the patient’s blood glucose levels, response to treatment, and other medications they are taking. Dietary considerations related to treatment with metformin include avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and eating a healthy, balanced diet with a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

The short-term impact of type 2 diabetes on patients includes symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated or poorly managed, type 2 diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, neuropathy, and blindness. The long-term impact of type 2 diabetes on patients can be severe, including increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and amputation of limbs. Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of these complications and improve overall health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

In conclusion, diabetes is a complex condition that requires individualized treatment and management. Metformin is one type of drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and is often used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise. The short-term and long-term impact of diabetes on patients can be significant, emphasizing the importance of proper treatment and management to prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes.

References:

American Diabetes Association. (2019). Statistics about diabetes. Retrieved from http://diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/

American Diabetes Association. (2020). Standards of medical care in diabetes-2020 abridged for primary care providers. Clinical Diabetes, 38(1), 10-38.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). National diabetes statistics report, 2017. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf

International Diabetes Federation. (2019). IDF diabetes atlas, 9th ed. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesatlas.org/en/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Type 2 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-2-diabetes