Nursing+role+in+Diabetes

Welcome to the Nursing role in Diabetes wiki page

Our group members include:

Eve: Project Manager Gaby: Content Editor Helen: Design Lead Svetlana: Multimedia Lead

As stated by the Canadian Diabetes Association, "Diabetes is a serious problem that affects the entire planet". It is estimated that 246 million people are affected by diabetes with the numbers increasing yearly by 7 million, to an estimated 380 million by 2025. Diabetes is now the 4th leading cause of death. [|Canadian Diabetes Associationhttp://www.diabetes.ca/] Nursing plays a key role in health promotion and prevention of diabetes. Nurses who work primarily with diabetes receive certification and use the designation Canadian diabetes educator (CDE) behind their name. This program is available through continuing education courses at the Michener Institute in Toronto as well as many other facilities within Ontario. The Michener Institutehttp://www.michener.ca/ce/postdiploma/diabetes_educator.php

 Please see below for a short video that describes diabetes briefly:

Video of Type 1, Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin:

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Recent updates, news from the Canadian Diabetes Association

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One of the roles of the nurse educator in diabetes is to assist the public in having an understanding that if left untreated or improperly managed that diabetes can result in a variety of complications. The nurse educator understands and stresses that the key in prevention or delaying the onset of these complications is to be alert to risk factors as well as signs and symptoms of diabetes. (Canadian Diabetes Association [CDA],"Are you at risk?", 2008) If you are age 40 or over you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested every 3 years. (CDA,2008) Similarly if a person has prediabetes where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes they must also be made aware of the risks and the importance of being tested. If a person has risk factors that which might predispose them to developing type 2 diabetes, they should be tested and or screened more frequently. ( CDA, "Prediabetes", 2009) (Gaby)
 * Screening and Testing**

References: Canadian Diabetes Association. (2008).// Clinical Practice Guidelines. "Are you at risk?". //(CDA Publication No. 316530 Q-100M 08-396 07/08). Retrieved from []

Canadian Diabetes Association. (2009).// Clinical Practice Guidelines. "Prediabetes" //(CDA Publication No. 114000 Q-50M 08-358 05/09). Retrieved from []

Diabetic educators belong to a team that cares for those with diabetes. According to Kelly, Marrero, Gallivan, Leontos & Perry (2004) "a multidisciplinary team approach is critical to success in diabetes care and prevention." p. 30. People are educated about complications such as premature disability, heart disease, stroke, blindness, end stage renal disease, lower limb amputations and death. The nurse teaches what the risk factors are such as age, overweight, high blood pressure, abdnormal lipid levels, family history, footcare, ethnicity, history of gestational diabetes and inactive lifestyle. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels as normal as possible by proper diet and or medication or insultin. Other team members include the dietician, physical therapists, physical activity counselors and social workers. All "help with physical and mental challenges such as poor dentition, balance problems, low vision, depression or social isolation." (Kelly et al 2004) p. 30.(Helen N.) Reference: Kelly, J. Marrero, D., Gallivan, Leontos, C, Perry, S., (2004).// Geriatrics. //Diabetes prevention a gameplan for success. 59. Retrieved from []
 * Diabetic Education**


 * Diabetes prevention/promotion**//

 The research provided by National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)  shows that r egular physical activity and a low-fat and low-calorie diet can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its complications (NDEP, 2004). A good example of a program which may be of help to a nurse educator is Canada’s Physical Activity Guide  [].  This program gives effective suggestions about lifestyle modifications and physical activity for different age groups. The diabetes educator also should pay attention to the health food guide; low-fat and low-calorie diet play a significant role in the diabetes prevention strategy. The best results can be achieved when patients actively participate in education and implementation processes. Family and peer support help patients adhere to recommendations. According to NDEP, patients who are involved in a decision-making process have increased patient satisfaction, improved knowledge of their condition and treatment, improved health outcomes, and fewer medication-related problems. (Svetlana)

In Conclusion, it is estimated by the Diabetes Association of Canada (CDA, 2008) that the incidence of Diabetes is on the rise. The role of the nurse educator is essential in prevention, promotion and health teaching. Speciality nurses in the area of diabetes are an integral part of the interdisciplinary teams approach to diabetes.(Eve)


 * Resources:**

National Diabetes Education Program. (2004). Guiding Principles for Diabetes Care: For Health Care Providers //. (NIH Publication No. 99-4343). Retrieved from [|www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/GuidPrin_HC_Eng.pdf]. Public Health Agency of Canada.// Canada’s Physical Activity Guide.// Retrieved from []

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