Patient was educated on the regulation of insulin production as follows: When there is excess of glucose in blood, more insulin secretion is stimulated and this insulin stimulates cells to absorb enough glucose from the blood for the energy that they need. Insulin release is triggered after a meal when there is a rise in blood glucose. Under conditions when blood glucose levels fall, such as, during fasting or after exercise, insulin levels fall too. [...]
Patient was educated on pancreas and hormones secreted from pancreas as follows: Pancreas is an organ sitting behind the stomach in the abdomen. Pancreas serves major metabolic functions with the hormones it produces. Pancreas has 2 major types of cells, alpha cells and beta cells. Alpha cells produce hormone called glucagon and beta cells produce hormone called insulin. The major function of glucagon is to breakdown glycogen (the storage form of glucose) to make glucose. [...]
Patient was instructed on advanced signs of hyperglycemia as follows: Hyperglycemia can go untreated sometimes and the body cells continue to suffer for source of energy. Under these circumstances, the body will shift for an alternative source of energy, other than glucose. Fat is broken down by the human body, when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose. This fat breakdown leads to production of ketone bodies that are acidic and highly toxic to the [...]
Patient was educated on early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia as follows: Frequent urination High blood sugars result in increased excretion of sugar in the urine. When sugar is excreted in the urine, water follows the sugar passively and so, poorly managed diabetics have an unusually high urine volume. Increased thirst As they had increased volume of urine, more fluid is lost and so, poorly managed diabetics feel thirsty and so, will have more intake [...]
Patient was instructed on some broad guidelines regarding ADA diet as follows: Have a healthy balance between carbohydrates, protein, and fat in every meal you eat. Be sure to spread your carbohydrate intake evenly among all the meals. Avoid concentrated sweets and sweeteners in your diet. Always incorporate fresh vegetable and fruit for fiber in your meal, as fiber will slow the absorption of glucose for your intestines. This will prevent sharp spikes in blood [...]
