Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management through lifestyle modifications and medication to avoid long-term health complications. As nurses, we need to be aware of the nursing diagnoses associated with diabetes to provide comprehensive care to those with this condition.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines a nursing diagnosis as “a clinical judgment about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems and life processes.” In other words, it’s a way of looking at how patients with diabetes are responding to the disease and any associated complications.
Table of Contents
What is a Diabetes Type 1?
• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, preventing it from producing insulin.
• People having type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive
• It usually occurs at a young age, often before the age of 18
• It cannot be prevented.
What is a Diabetes Type 2?
• Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder, meaning the body’s cells don’t respond appropriately to insulin
• It usually occurs after age 40 but is increasingly being seen in younger people due to rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
• It can be controlled or delayed with lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating.
• People with type 2 diabetes may take oral medications, inject insulin, or both to regulate blood sugar levels.
• It is the most common form of diabetes.
• Unlike type 1 diabetes, which requires lifelong insulin treatment, some people with type 2 diabetes may be able to manage their condition without medication.
Nursing Diagnoses Related to Diabetes Type 1 & 2
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Impaired glucose tolerance is a condition in which the body cannot properly process sugars. People with diabetes often have impaired glucose tolerance, leading to dangerous complications like high blood pressure and heart disease. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include diet modification, weight management, and monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Risk for Injury
People with diabetes are at risk for injury due to their condition. This can be caused by hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Intervention for this diagnosis is education on how to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and how to manage these conditions.
Nutrition Imbalance
Diabetes affects a patient’s ability to absorb and process nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing education on healthy eating habits and monitoring the patient’s nutritional status.
Knowledge Deficit
People with diabetes must understand how the condition works to manage it properly. A nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing the patient with educational materials and resources on diabetes self-care.
Risk for Infection
People with diabetes are more prone to infection due to their condition. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include monitoring blood sugar levels, wound care, teaching about signs and symptoms of infection, and monitoring for any changes in health status.
Risk for fluid volume deficit
Diabetes can cause dehydration due to increased urination. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include teaching about proper hydration, monitoring fluid levels, and providing IV fluids if needed.
Fatigue
People with diabetes are at risk for fatigue due to their condition. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing education on lifestyle changes that can help improve energy levels, such as regular exercise and proper diet.
Ineffective Health Maintenance
Diabetes management requires ongoing self-care behaviors. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing education on how to manage the condition and regular monitoring to ensure that the patient is adhering to their treatment plan.
Noncompliance with Therapeutic Regimen
People with diabetes may be non-compliant with their treatment plan due to various factors, such as difficulty understanding the instructions or lack of motivation. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing patient education and support.
Nursing Care Plan & Interventions
Diet Modification
People with diabetes need to closely monitor their diet to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include teaching about the importance of a balanced diet, providing education on healthy eating habits, and monitoring for changes in dietary intake.
Exercise
Regular physical activity is vital for people with diabetes, as it can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing education on safely incorporating exercise into one’s lifestyle.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
People with diabetes must regularly check their blood sugar levels to stay on top of their condition. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include teaching how to use glucose monitors, educating on target blood sugar levels, and monitoring for changes in blood sugar levels.
Medication Management
People with diabetes may need medications to regulate their blood sugar levels. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing patient education on how to manage medications properly and monitoring for any potential side effects.
Stress Management
Stress can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes need to manage their stress. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include teaching about the importance of stress management techniques, such as exercise and relaxation techniques, and providing support in times of crisis.
Foot Care
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for foot complications, so taking proper precautions is important. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include teaching how to properly care for the feet properly, monitoring for any changes in skin condition or sensation, and providing footwear appropriate for the patient’s needs.
Infection Prevention
People with diabetes are more prone to it, so taking steps to prevent them is essential. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include educating on proper hygiene, teaching about signs and symptoms of infection, and monitoring for any changes in health status.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, so it’s essential to monitor it regularly. Nursing intervention for this diagnosis is providing education on how to check blood pressure and monitoring for any changes in blood pressure readings.
Eye Care
People with diabetes are more prone to eye diseases and conditions, so it’s essential to have regular eye exams. Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include teaching about the importance of regular eye exams, providing education on how to properly care for the eyes properly, and monitoring for any vision changes.
By employing these nursing interventions for diabetes, nurses can ensure their patients receive the best possible care and support. With proper management and guidance, people with diabetes can lead healthy and active lives.
Final Words
In conclusion, diabetes is a complex medical condition that requires close monitoring and comprehensive care. Nursing diagnosis can help guide patient care by providing nurses with key information about the patient’s health status and potential complications or areas of concern. Through accurate data collection, assessment of the patient’s current state, and implementation of a comprehensive plan to address the needs and problems associated with diabetes, nursing diagnosis can provide an essential foundation for quality patient care.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.