Case Study of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus of Nick - Assignment Example

The result is a high blood-sugar level over a prolonged period. Only about 5% of all people with diabetes are Type 1, and the majority of diabetics have Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes. Nick had T1DM since six years old so he is knowledgeable about diabetes. His problem started when he started university and now away from home for the first time in his life in an on-campus dormitory and living on the fast lane. His parents had been strict with control of his blood glucose levels but since arriving at university, he had neglected his insulin shots, his diet, and exercise. He should follow what Sam did and monitor his sugar levels (The Open University, 2012).

Nick has been hospitalized for the second time in just seven months and this admission (the latest) is due to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level. The attending physician at the time in the emergency department of the hospital where he was brought in by his friends recommends an injection of SC 1mg Glucagon and another 50mL of 40% Glucose by IV in two hours to stabilize his condition and bring his sugar level back up to normal (Brown et al., 2012). However, the nursing care plan that was developed and prepared by a community diabetes nurse for him was for an opposite medical condition which is hyperglycemia or high blood sugar.

Diet and nutrition – Nick should watch his diet for any foods that tend to increase his blood sugar level beyond the normal range which is between 4 to 6 mmol/L. At this admission, it was only 3.5 mmol/L which made him exhibit the symptoms of hypoglycemia. If he feels and exhibits the symptoms of a hypoglycaemic episode, he can eat simple carbohydrates like table sugar, honey, or corn syrup which are digested easily and allows for glucose to be absorbed into the body system rather quickly (Frier, Heller, & McCrimmon, 2013). He should also consume a variety of complex carbohydrates that include food items like pasta, grains, and potatoes because these types of foods help to keep glucose levels more consistent over some time. Foods like proteins should also be in his diets such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and animal proteins which help to provide the needed energy for various daily activities including strenuous physical exercises.

Physical activities – the things which Nick engaged in lately drained his glucose level to the point he became hypoglycaemic per his latest hospital admission. His body was not able to put glucose quickly into his bloodstream and the existing glucose was quickly depleted due to his many physical activities like extreme training activities from membership in the rugby team. He therefore should monitor his glucose levels constantly and take appropriate actions whenever the level goes up or down beyond the normal range. He should engage in physical activities whenever his glucose level is high to burn off extra sugars (McArdle, Katch, & Katch, 2010) but he should also pay close attention to the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Conclusion – diabetes is a lifelong disease but proper management allows people to live normal lives as long as they know how to manage it; if not they get new ailments like foot ulcers, eye damage, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other complications (Shaw, 1996).