I was responding to the forum on insulins and this popped into my head. A discussion on how to better care for a large and growing diabetic population.
Pet Peeve#1: People diagnosed with diabetes can eat sugar! or products made from sugar...cake, cookies, donuts, candy bars and chocolate. It all comes down to carb counting. All nurses should learn carb counting and insulin to carb ratios so they can better serve this population.
Pet Peeve #2: Type 1 and Type 2 are different. Although many type 2 diabetics require insulin...the action or reaction to it is different. Type 2 pts need to follow a diet regime that works with their antihyperglycemic meds. Type 1/ Type 2 on insulin can eat sugar products under the carb count guidelines and as long as there isn't excessive weight gain. Also know that exercise plays an important role in lowering blood glucose. Learn the differences so you can provide the appropriate care.
Pet Peeve #3: Although there is a large population of type 2 diabetic people, the population of type 1 diabetics and a latent onset is growing. Bone up on type 1.
Pet Peeve #4: No diabetic needs more than two insulins. Learn the onset and action of all insulins. Cater a program to work for your diabetic patient.
Pet Peeve #5: The brittle diabetics need DDAVP, not insulin.
Blood sugars can be controlled with the right program.
Pet Peeve#6: People with diabetes...DO WANT TO CONTROL THEIR BLOOD SUGARS. Contrary to popular belief...we do...it's a hard thing to do. We have it for life and sometimes...even with the best control...you still loose a limb, a retina detaches or you end up on dialysis. Oh well. But we can extend our lives as long as possible with good control.....70-120!
