DIABETES MELLITUS: A GROWING CONCERN - 5 CONTACT HOURS

Course overview

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects millions of people of all ages in the United States and around the world. It has the potential to cause complications that can affect all facets of a person’s life as well as placing significant financial burden on patients, families, and society. There is no one single strategy that “works” best for all patients. Plans of care must be individualized to the patient’s lifestyle and general state of health and wellness. It must also be remembered that the patient is the most important member of the healthcare team. If he or she does not agree with, or is reluctant to adhere to, even the best of treatment plans, the diabetes management regimen is doomed to failure. Glycemic control and quality of life are dependent on a well-educated patient who has helped to develop and wants to implement his/her plan of care. The target audience for this education program is nurses who want to increase their knowledge of diabetes mellitus and their ability to provide nursing care to persons who live with this disease. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Discuss the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. 2. Explain the financial and societal impact of diabetes mellitus. 3. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the pancreas. 4. Differentiate among the different types of diabetes mellitus. 5. Discuss the pathologies of the different types of diabetes mellitus. 6. Explain the screening guidelines for diabetes mellitus. 7. Identify risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus. 8. Describe the presenting clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus. 9. Explain the process of diagnosis diabetes mellitus. 10. Describe strategies for the management of diabetes mellitus. 11. Identify potential complications of diabetes mellitus. 12. Describe nursing interventions when caring for persons with diabetes mellitus.