Need for Diabetes Education - Assignment Example

Suspicion of diabetes would become valid if an individual has the following signs.• Increased urination accompanied by excessive thirst• A feeling of fatigue• Constant weight fluctuations, especially weight loss• Blurred visionCommon types of diabetesThe most common types of diabetes includeType 1Also called insulin-dependent diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreases fails to produce sufficient insulin which is essential for the uptake of sugar.Type 2This type of diabetes is causing by the body’s resistance to insulin and it is mainly managed through diet.

Gestational This normally develops during pregnancy due to the gain in weight and blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery.Risk factors of diabetesRisk factors of diabetes are dependent on the type of diabetes. Risk factors include the following1. Type 1 diabetes• Family history• Environmental factors like exposure to viral illnesses• The presence of autoantibodies• Dietary factors especially low vitamin D intake• Geographical location in countries with higher diabetes rates2.

Type 2 diabetes• Weight• Inactivity• Family history• Age • Race (Hispanics and Asian Americans have higher risk)• High blood pressure3. Gestational diabetes• Age for women above 25 years • Family and personal history• Weight especially being overweight during birth• Race Need for diabetes educationDiabetes remains a leading cause of death among people and this occurs mainly due to lack of diagnosis of poor management. Proper understanding of the disease is essential in ensuring preventive measures are taken as well as management approaches implemented for those diagnosed with the disease in order to minimise the death caused by diabetesGoalThe main goal of the programme would be reducing the burden of diabetes among the population through facilitating the adoption of proven methods of preventing and effectively managing diabetes and the associated complications.

OutreachThe programme would be targeting the following groups of individuals• Individuals diagnosed with diabetes, their families and their caregivers.• Individuals who have been assessed as being at high risk of being affected by the disease• Populations that have been disproportionately overburdened by the disease and its associated problems• Healthcare professionals including community health workers and peers• Communal healthcare-focused organisations, businesses, schools, the media, partners as well as any interested groups concerned about diabetes.

Diabetes management approaches1. Team approachThis is an approach that includes the development of a team comprising of different professionals to aid the affected individuals in the management of the disease. The team will include diabetes educators, dieticians, exercise professional, general practitioner and indigenous health workers2. Self-monitoring Once the population has been effectively educated they can undertake a self-monitoring process especially if the patient is on agents capable of causing hypoglycaemia.