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Kakra Agyen
inability to use insulin. In a healthy adult, pancreatic beta cells secrete adequate amount of
insulin. The main function of insulin is to open cells and allow glucose into the cells, in turn
lowering glucose level. However, when the function of the beta cells are deficient, glucose level
rise and hyperglycemia occurs as a result. Consequently, diabetic patients overtime become
overweight, hyperglycemic, and face complex comorbidities. Likewise, with Mr. Skywalker
diagnosis of T2DM, lifestyle changes and drug therapy are key elements in treating the disease
Diet and exercise are lifestyle changes required to effectively manage the T2DM. Diet
management involves planning and choosing proper food group. It is essential to teach Mr.
Skywalker the types of carbohydrates that can influence his glucose level. Grains, legumes,
vegetables, and fruits are all good sources of carbohydrates; however, not all carbohydrates
contain the same amount of glucose. Therefore, a healthy way of measuring the amount of
glucose in food, is by utilizing the glycemic index (GI) (American Diabetes Association, 2014).
GI ranks carbohydrate in two categories: high glycemic and low glycemic. Low GI food
category contain natural fibers that help lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Low GI
foods includes legumes, most dark colored fruits and vegetables, and whole-grains. Starchy
vegetables such as sweet potatoes are also considered low GI if not processed (American
On the opposite spectrum of the glycemic index are high GI foods . High GI foods are
composed of processed and or refined foods, added sugars, and natural fruits with high sugar
content. This category should be limited in diet because of its ability to raise blood glucose and
cholesterol levels. In addition, limiting low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) intake will reduce
DIABETES DISCHARGE TEACHING 3
cholesterol level. LDLs are found primarily in saturated and trans fats. Fatty foods are causative
factors of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and obesity. Also, it is advised to limit certain
electrolytes such as sodium. Increased sodium intake is linked to hypertension. Conversely, fats
that are healthy are known high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). HDLs include monounsturated
and polyunsaturated fats. Overall, Mr. Skywalker's nutritional discharge teaching should
emphasize eating the proper food group in moderation (Treas & Wilkinson, 2014).
As previously stated, drug therapy is of the key elements in T2DM management. Upon
discharge Mr. Skywalker should receive teaching on oral diabetic medications. To promote
medication safety, the patient should be made aware of hypoglycemia. Oral diabetic medications
are created to lower blood glucose levels, hence if not taken with meals, it has the potential to
Skywalker how to monitor blood glucose levels before administering medication and how to
moderate intensity exercise daily (Hayashino et all., 2012). Physical activity is a great way to
burn calories and help maintain a healthy weight. Exercise has shown to be effective in reducing
risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and dyslipidemia (Hayashino et all., 2012). The only
caution is hypoglycemia. Vigorous exercise can cause low blood sugar, thus Mr. Skywalker will
be taught how to monitor and how to combat hypoglycemia by eating small snacks that will
In conclusion, diet modification, drug therapy, and physical activity are the three key
elements necessary in type 2 diabetes mellitus discharge teaching. These elements are absolutely
References
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-
carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
Bajorek, S. A., & Morello,C. ( 2010). Effects of Dietary Fiber and Low Glycemic Index Diet on
Hayashino, Y., Jackson, J., Fukumori, N., Nakamura, F., & Fukuhara, S. (2012). Effects of
supervised exercise on lipid profiles and blood pressure control in people with type 2
Treas, L., & Wilkinson, J. (2014). Nutrition. In Basic nursing: Concepts, skills, & reasoning (pp.