Treating Type II Diabetes Mellitus - Case Study Example

With the patient’s history of allergy to sulfa drugs, cross-sensitivity may occur with the use of the sulfonylurea drug because of its sulfa-chemical components. Thus, metformin should be considered as the first-line treatment for mild to moderate type II overweight diabetics (Craig & Stitzel, 1997). Meanwhile, weight loss and dietary modifications remain to be the most effective treatment in every case of type II diabetes mellitus (Smeltzer & Bare, 2006). While the patient may have been prescribed an oral antihyperglycemic agent, it is best to emphasize the importance of weight and diet control as part of patient teaching. In addition, general hygiene, foot care, and prevention of injuries and infection should also be discussed to prevent complications.

Ideally, the use of antihyperglycemic medications should be temporarily stopped when hyperglycemia is attributable to infection and surgery because of the effect of stress hormones like epinephrine, glucagon, and cortisol on glucose control (Smeltzer & Bare, 2006). Frequent monitoring and possible use of insulin can be considered even for those who do not usually need it.