NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

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NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments Instructions

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.

For this Discussion, you compare types of diabetes, including drug treatments for type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.

Reference: American Diabetes Association. (2019). Statistics about diabetes. Retrieved from http://diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/

To Prepare

  • Review the Resources for this module and reflect on differences between types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.
  • Select one type of diabetes to focus on for this Discussion.
  • Consider one type of drug used to treat the type of diabetes you selected, including proper preparation and administration of this drug. Then, reflect on dietary considerations related to treatment.
  • Think about the short-term and long-term impact of the diabetes you selected on patients, including effects of drug treatments. Have a look at NURS 6521 Week 6 Assignment: Decision Tree for Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 

By Day 3 of Week 5

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, 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.

By Day 6 of Week 5

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days who selected a different type of diabetes than you did. Provide recommendations for alternative drug treatments and patient education strategies for treatment and management.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link, and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments Example 1

Diabetes and Drug Treatments

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and juvenile diabetes (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021).

Type 1 Diabetes

This type occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot produce enough insulin, requiring individuals with type 1 diabetes to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels. One drug commonly used to treat type 1 diabetes is insulin. Insulin can be administered through subcutaneous injections or via an insulin pump (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). Before injecting insulin, it is important to prepare the injection site by cleaning the area with an alcohol swab. The preparation and administration process may vary depending on the specific insulin product, so it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider or the manufacturer.

Dietary considerations for individuals with type 1 diabetes involve monitoring carbohydrate intake and balancing it with insulin dosages. This helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Carbohydrate counting, meal planning, and timing insulin doses are important strategies in managing this type of diabetes. The short-term impact of type 1 diabetes can includes symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated or poorly managed, it can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a potentially life-threatening complication (Ho et al., 2021). Long-term effects of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes may include damage to the blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes and an increased risk of heart disease.

Type 2 Diabetes

This type is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body becomes less responsive to the effects of insulin. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity, although genetic factors also play a role. Initially, the pancreas produces extra insulin to compensate for the resistance, but over time, it may not keep up, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Various medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes, depending on the individual’s needs (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). One example is metformin, which helps reduce glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity in the body. Metformin is typically taken orally in tablet form, usually with meals or as directed by the healthcare provider.

In addition to medication, dietary considerations for type 2 diabetes involve adopting a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting the intake of sugary foods, processed carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats is also essential. The short-term impact of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes may include symptoms similar to type 1 diabetes, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision. In the long term, poorly managed type 2 diabetes can lead to complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), and eye problems (retinopathy) (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021).

References

Ho, J., Rosolowsky, E., Pacaud, D., Huang, C., Lemay, J. A., Brockman, N., Rath, M. & Doulla, M. (2021). Diabetic ketoacidosis at type 1 diabetes diagnosis in children during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Pediatric Diabetes, 22(4), 552–557. https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.13205

Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

NURS 6521 Week 5 Discussion: Diabetes and Drug Treatments Example 2

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition distinguished by heightened blood sugar levels. There are various forms, each with unique attributes from etiology, presentation to management. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system targets, attacks, and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas through an autoimmune process, resulting in absolute insulin deficiency (Fathy et al., 2021). This leads to the loss of the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, necessitating lifelong insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes, which is the most prevalent form, occurs when the body develops resistance to insulin production (relative deficiency) due to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet and physical inactivity alongside genetic predisposition (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). Gestational diabetes arises during pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting insulin function; it usually resolves after childbirth but heightens the risk of type 2 diabetes later on for both mother and child (Szmuilowicz et al., 2019). Juvenile diabetes is often equated with type 1 and appears in childhood because of the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic cells.

Drug Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is commonly treated with the oral medication metformin, which belongs to the biguanide class. It lowers glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues (Blahova et al., 2021). Metformin comes in tablet or extended-release forms, usually taken twice daily with or shortly after meals. It can be used alone or combined with other oral antidiabetic drugs that are effective in controlling blood sugar levels.

While it reduces glucose absorption and may lead to hypoglycemia, its use has been linked to lactic acidosis, especially if there is impaired kidney function, as metformin is excreted unchanged through this organ (Blahova et al., 2021). Other potential side effects include nausea, decreased appetite, and diarrhea; maintaining proper hydration is crucial in avoiding these effects. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels for necessary dosage adjustments is essential.

Dietary Considerations

Dietary choices significantly influence type 2 diabetes management. According to Papamichou et al. (2019), it is important to maintain a well-balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake, monitor portion sizes, and opt for complex carbohydrates over simple sugars to regulate blood sugar levels. Moreover, prioritizing fiber-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in the diet contributes to overall health (Papamichou et al., 2019). As a result of these factors, lifestyle modifications involving reduced carbohydrate consumption along with limited fat intake and alcohol reduction are integrated into the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus using metformin.

Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts

In the short term, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to acute complications. Hyperglycemia can result in symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and exhaustion (Uteshev et al., 2023). Untreated, it has the potential to advance to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) in type 2 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in type 1 diabetes. Both of these conditions can be fatal and are marked by serious dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and changes in mental status.

Diabetes can cause a number of long-term issues that impact different organ systems. Coronary heart disease and stroke are prevalent cardiovascular complications. There is also a high prevalence of kidney failure, retinopathy (visual issues, including blindness), and neuropathy (nerve damage causing pain or numbness) (McDermott, 2019). Metformin has been demonstrated to decrease the likelihood of cardiovascular incidents and death in individuals with type 2 diabetes (Zhang et al., 2020). Extended usage may result in a deficiency of vitamin B12, requiring additional supplementation. Furthermore, metformin can induce gastrointestinal adverse effects like nausea and diarrhea, impacting patient compliance. The patient’s quality of life may be greatly affected by these issues.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between diabetes types is essential for customizing effective treatment methods. Metformin, a frequently recommended medication for type 2 diabetes, highlights the significance of adhering to prescribed medications and controlling diet. Although these actions can alleviate short-term symptoms, the long-term effects emphasize the necessity of thorough management to avoid severe complications. Regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and patient education are crucial elements of successful diabetes care.

References

Blahova, J., Martiniakova, M., Babikova, M., Kovacova, V., Mondockova, V., & Omelka, R. (2021). Pharmaceutical drugs and natural therapeutic products for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pharmaceuticals, 14(8), 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14080806

Fathy, M., El Araby, I. I.M., El Guindy, N. M. & Anwar, G. M. (2021). Review article: Autoimmunity and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. The Medical Journal of Cairo University, 89(6), 1341–1347. https://doi.org/10.21608/mjcu.2021.185045

Galicia-Garcia, U., Benito-Vicente, A., Jebari, S., Larrea-Sebal, A., Siddiqi, H., Uribe, K. B., Ostolaza, H., & Martín, C. (2020). Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(17), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176275

McDermott, M. T. (2019). Endocrine secrets e-book: Endocrine secrets e-book. In Google Books. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=9OKiDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA12&dq=In+the+short+term

Papamichou, D., Panagiotakos, D. B., & Itsiopoulos, C. (2019). Dietary patterns and management of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 29(6), 531–543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2019.02.004

Szmuilowicz, E. D., Josefson, J. L., & Metzger, B. E. (2019). Gestational diabetes mellitus. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 48(3), 479–493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2019.05.001

Uteshev, V., Llano, D., & III, E. S. (2023). Introduction to clinical pharmacology: From symptoms to treatment. In Google Books. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=bXXaEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA304&dq=In+the+short+term

Zhang, K., Yang, W., Dai, H., & Deng, Z. (2020). Cardiovascular risk following metformin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 160, 108001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108001