Running head: LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Ardy N. Emile
University of South Florida
College of Nursing

LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

29.1 million Americans are living with diabetes. 8.1 million are not aware that they have
the disease which can be detrimental to their health (2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report,
2015). Diabetes causes an abnormal rise of blood sugar in the body and the person becomes
hyperglycemic. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form and it enables the body to use insulin
properly. At the early stages, the body tries to compensate by producing extra insulin but over
time it is not able to keep up. The body becomes resistant from the improper use of insulin (Type
2, n.d.). It is crucial to educate patients with type 2 diabetes about nutrition: how to manage their
diabetes and keep their blood glucose at normal levels. As an RN, Mr. Smith is my patient who
has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is being discharged from the hospital. He has
also been put on an oral diabetic medication. It is imperative that he is given proper dietary
teaching upon discharge. For a person living with type 2 diabetes, diet and weight must
constantly be monitored. Done properly, Mr. Smith will be able to keep his blood glucose levels
normal.
When it comes to managing blood glucose, planning meals daily is a reality. Meal
planning is different for everyone and a plan will be made for Mr. Smith, catering to his
preferences. To maintain a proper diabetic diet, Mr. Smith should target eating foods with healthy
fats, fewer calories, similar carb quantities, and foods from all food groups (Wisse & Zieve,
2013). Watching portion/serving sizes and becoming an avid reader of food labels is necessary
for a diabetes patient. When considering fats, Mr. Smith should decrease intake of saturated fats
which means no deep fried foods or high amounts of butter. Nuts, fish, and vegetable oils are
more appropriate choices because they contain polyunsaturated/monounsaturated fats. Managing
fat intake also aids in managing calorie intake. Therefore, Mr. Smith should avoid alcohol,
excess sweets, and fatty dairy products that contain empty calories. Carbohydrates are important

LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

to the body for energy intake but they also increase glucose levels. Mr. Smith should be paying
attention to how many carbs are in each meal. Most importantly, Mr. Smith should be eating a
variety of foods. He still needs to get his necessary daily intakes of vitamins and nutrients. Eating
fresh vegetables and fruits, eating whole grains, and eating fish and poultry for protein will help
keep down cholesterol levels and have a healthier lifestyle (Wisse & Zieve, 2013).
Speaking of lifestyles, it is a paramount of importance that Mr. Smith eats his meals at the
same time every day. Since he is not on intensive insulin therapy and is only on an oral diabetic
medication, he is not at as much risk if meals are skipped or delayed (Mehalanty & McCulloch,
2015). But eating at the same times every day will give him balance and help him stay on track.
You can never be too safe. Consequently, managing weight could be another lifestyle change.
People with type 2 diabetes tend to be overweight and develop hypertension. These factors can
bring many complications for a diabetes patient. Eating healthy and staying active will aid in
meeting weight goals and managing blood pressure (Wisse & Zieve, 2013). This means lowered
caloric intake as mentioned before and exercising at least 30 minutes a day (Mehalanty &
McCulloch, 2015). Just a 10 pound weight loss can help manage Mr. Smiths diabetes (Wisse &
Zieve, 2013).
Upon discharge, Mr. Smith should feel somewhat confident in his ability to manage his
own diet. With his permission, any family members present will be educated to help him with
these changes. Making the right choices now can bring both immediate and long term benefits.
By regulating Mr. Smiths dietary intake, managing his weight, and keeping him active, he will
be able to live a normal/healthy life with adequate glucose levels.

LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

References
2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report. (2015, May 15). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics/2014statisticsreport.html
Melahanty, L., & McCulloch, D. (2015, April 13). Patient information: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
and diet (Beyond the Basics). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/type-2-diabetes-mellitus-and-diet-beyond-the-basics
Type 2. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/?
loc=util-header_type2
Wisse, B., & Zieve, D. (2013, August 8). Diabetes type 2 - meal planning: MedlinePlus Medical
Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 14, 2015, from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007429.htm