Each year, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2019). If left untreated, diabetic patients are at risk for several alterations, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, neuropathy, and blindness. There are various methods for treating diabetes, many of which include some form of drug therapy. The type of diabetes as well as the patient’s behavior factors will impact treatment recommendations.
Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments
ASSIGNMENT:
Post a brief explanation of the differences between the types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.
Describe one type of drug used to treat the type of diabetes you selected, (JUVENILE) including proper preparation and administration of this drug. Be sure to include dietary considerations related to treatment.
Then, explain the short-term and long-term impact of this type of diabetes on patients. including effects of drug treatments. Be specific and provide examples.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. There are various types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes. Treatment recommendations depend on the type of diabetes as well as the patient’s behavioral factors. This assignment aims to explain the differences between the types of diabetes, describe one type of drug used to treat juvenile diabetes and its proper preparation and administration, and examine the short-term and long-term impact of juvenile diabetes on patients, including the effects of drug treatments.
Answer:
Juvenile diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Unlike type 2 diabetes, it is not associated with obesity, insulin resistance, or lifestyle factors.
One of the drugs used to treat juvenile diabetes is insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Insulin is administered subcutaneously using an insulin pen or syringe, or an insulin pump. Before administering insulin, patients should wash their hands, clean the injection site with alcohol, and ensure that the insulin is stored properly. The dosage and timing of insulin administration should be individualized based on the patient’s blood glucose levels, dietary intake, physical activity, and other factors. Patients also need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and adjust their insulin doses accordingly.
The short-term impact of juvenile diabetes on patients includes hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and other acute complications. If not treated promptly, these complications can lead to hospitalization, coma, or even death. The long-term impact of juvenile diabetes includes an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and other chronic complications. However, proper glycemic control and other preventive measures can reduce the risk and severity of these complications. Insulin therapy plays a critical role in managing juvenile diabetes and preventing its complications. In addition to insulin therapy, patients with juvenile diabetes should follow a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, monitor their blood glucose levels, and attend regular medical check-ups.
