Question

An 18-year-old patient complains of an increased urge to drink water and urinate. He has been losing weight rapidly for the past few months. Following several diagnostic tests, the physician tells him that he has diabetes mellitus. However, the patient refuses to believe the diagnosis, saying that he always thought diabetes was a disease of obese and older adults. He is devastated and feels that this disease means the end of his social life and carefree lifestyle.

Answer the following questions.

1.Considering the symptoms, with which type of diabetes mellitus is the patient diagnosed?

2.What are its characteristics?

3.How is type 2 diabetes mellitus different from type 1 diabetes mellitus?

4.How is type 1 diabetes mellitus managed?

5.How should the nurse deal with this patient?

Answer 1

1. Type 1 Diabetes

2. Characteristics

• Polydipsia or Enhanced thirst.
• Urinating constantly.
• Enuresis in children with no previous history.
• Polyphagia or Excessive hunger.
• Unexpected weight loss.
• Anger and mood fluctuations.
• Tiredness and dizziness.
• Blurred eyesight.

3. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not react to insulin or produce sufficient insulin needed throughout the disease process, but in type1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make insulin at all.

4. Management of Type 1 diabetes

• Replacing insulin by the administration of insulin injections or by an insulin pump, the whole life.
• Keeping track of the blood glucose levels frequently.
• A wholesome, healthful diet and eating order.

5. The nurse should:

• provide psychological support telling that everything will be fine.
• show him children with diabetes of his age who live positively and successfully.
• give nutrition education