The Role of Nurses in Diabetes Management

Working as a bedside nurse at Overlake Hospital Medical Center on a Medical Surgical and Oncology Unit involves a multifaceted approach to patient care that extends well beyond physical health assessments. My responsibilities encompass not only the vigilant monitoring for physiological changes and responding to immediate medical needs of patients but also addressing the emotional aspects of caring and advocating for them. Within our 37-bed unit, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including care for various medical-surgical conditions, chemotherapy infusions, blood transfusions, dialysis, oncology with hospice, and end-of-life care.

Each day, I encounter patients with a multitude of medical conditions, often involving new diagnoses or the management of chronic illnesses.

Challenges in Diabetes Care

One of the prevalent chronic conditions I encounter is diabetes, which includes both Type I and Type II. Patients are frequently admitted for chronic ongoing treatment, complications such as Hyperglycemia with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) due to noncompliance with diabetes management, as well as for newly diagnosed diabetes. Our primary goal is to return these patients to a stable glycemic balance, educate them on effective diabetes management, and ensure a smooth transition to outpatient or home care. However, achieving these objectives is not without its challenges, which are often multifaceted and complex.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a significant health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2017, more than 100 million U.S. adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Each year, approximately 1.5 million Americans receive a diabetes diagnosis, making it the seventh leading cause of death in the country as of 2015. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe acute and long-term complications, including premature death, vision loss, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even amputations of toes, feet, or legs. In 2014, there were 7.2 million hospital discharges and 14.2 million emergency department visits related to diabetes complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemic crises.

Nursing Strategies for Effective Diabetes Management

Given these statistics, the role of a nurse extends beyond providing medical care. It involves a commitment to educating patients on managing their diabetes to reduce complications and associated healthcare costs. For instance, we emphasize the importance of adhering to dietary guidelines, engaging in regular physical activity, and properly using insulin or oral medications. Despite these efforts, numerous barriers can impede effective diabetes management, such as socioeconomic factors, health literacy, and patient motivation.

The financial burden of diabetes is another critical aspect to consider. On average, medical expenditures for individuals diagnosed with diabetes are approximately 2.3 times higher than those for people without the condition. This statistic underscores the importance of effective management strategies to not only enhance patient outcomes but also alleviate the economic strain on healthcare systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of nurses in managing diabetes on our unit is vital and multifaceted, involving both direct patient care and education. The statistics surrounding diabetes highlight the urgency of our efforts to improve patient outcomes through holistic care that addresses both medical and emotional needs. By focusing on comprehensive education and advocating for lifestyle modifications, we aim to empower patients to take control of their condition, ultimately reducing the incidence of complications and improving their quality of life. As nurses, we are at the forefront of this battle against diabetes, working tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the care, knowledge, and support they need to manage this challenging condition effectively.

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