Author Archives: wendy
Benifical Effects of Fiber
Water-insoluble fiber (which includes wheat, bran, and whole grain products) affects mainly the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where it increases fecal bulk, helps to prevent constipation, and may reduce the risk of colon cancer. WaterÂsoluble fiber (which includes guar and … Continue reading
Diagnostic Tests of Diabetic Retinopathy
To diagnose diabetic retinopathy, an ophthalmologist uses an ophthalmoscopic examination or fluorescein angiography. During an ophthalmoscopic examination, the ophthalmologist dilates the patient’s eyes with a mydriatic drug, such as atropine. This dilation permits viewing of the retina, retinal blood vessels, … Continue reading
Diagnostic Tests of Peripheral Neuropathy
The physician usually diagnoses peripheral neuropathy by excluding other causes of your patient’s signs and symptoms. Typically, the physician will assess her neurologic function, evaluating her deep tendon reflexes and muscle strength and testing how well she senses temperature, light … Continue reading
Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen Tests
One complication of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy. A quick and simple way to check renal function is to draw a blood sample for serum creatinine and BUN tests. These tests should be performed when the patient is diagnosed with diabetes.Although … Continue reading
Adaptations for Elderly Patients
A dietitian adapts a nutritional plan for an elderly patient with diabetes based on her special needs caused by aging. For instance, the poor vision that typically accompanies old age can affect a patient’s nutritional status by making it hard … Continue reading
Dialysis of Diabetic Nephropathy or End Stage Renal Disease
If your patient develops end-stage renal disease, she may require hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to prolong her life. The physician probably won’t recommend dialysis until your patient’s serum creatinine level is about 6 mg/dl. Hemodialysis For hemodialysis, the surgeon creates … Continue reading
Immunosuppressive Drugs
Usually, transplant patients take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the transplanted organ from being rejected over the long term or to treat incipient rejection. They may start to take these drugs before surgery and continue throughout the life of the organ. … Continue reading
Nursing Considerations of Hypoglycemia
Review the onset, peak, and duration of action of the insulin your patient uses. When her insulin is at peak effect, check her for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Be familiar with oral antidiabetic drugs that can cause hypoglycemia, such … Continue reading
Dietary Components For The Diabetes Treatment
Base your diet recommendations on treatment goals designed specifically for your patient . Consider the various roles of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, sweeteners, fiber, sodium, and alcohol in your patient’s diet. Cultural and Ethnic Considerations Each patient’s cultural and ethnic background … Continue reading
Coronary Artery Disease or CAD
The most common cause of death in patients with Type 2 diabetes, CAD also develops in many patients with Type 1 diabetes. Patients who have had diabetes for 20 years or longer, are over age 40, or have many cardiovascular … Continue reading