1. Melinda L.McCallister
Allied Health 120
Winter 2010-S8
Diabetes is a disorder, in which the body cannot produce or use insulin properly. Insulin
is needed for glucose to move from the blood into the cells. The cells need glucose for
energy. The pancreas secretes insulin, and without enough insulin sugar builds up in the
blood. Blood glucose(sugar) is high.(Mosby & Elsevier,2008) Cells do not have enough
sugar for energy and cannot function. Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder,
and was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2006.
There a three types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no
insulin.(Mosby & Elsevier,2008) Only 5-10% of people have this form of the
disease.Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age, but is more common in older and
overweight individuals. The pancreas secretes insulin, but the body does not produce
enough insulin or the body ignores the insulin. Infection is common, and wounds do not
heal easily.
Gestational diabetes is the third type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes normally subsides after pregnancy, however the mother is at risk for
type 2 diabetes later in life..(Mosby & Elsevier,2008) Diabetes increases the risk for more
serious health problems. It is important to know the symptoms your client is
experiencing. Observe and report symptoms to the charge nurse.
Signs and symptoms of high blood sugar are:
Excessive thirst
Excessive hunger
Frequent urination
Pain in abdomen
Nausea/vomiting
Drowsiness/blurred vision problems
Coma
.(Mosby & Elsevier,2008)
Learning Resource Packet
Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar are:
Hunger
Fatigue; weakness
Trembling; shakiness

2. Sweating
Headache
Dizziness
Faintness
Skin; cold and clammy
(Mosby & Elsevier,2008)
Learning Resource Packet
Diabetes must be controlled to prevent further complications. These complications might
include blindness, renal failure, nerve damage, and damage to gums and teeth. Stroke,
heart attack, slow healing, infection and gangrene can occur. Sometimes amputation is
necessary. Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can lead to death if not corrected..
(Mosby & Elsevier,2008)
Treatment of diabetes is a balance of medication to insulin supply, activity and diet.
(Learning Resource Packet)As a Nursing Assistant it is important that the meal plan is
carefully followed, and meals are eaten at regular times to maintain a certain blood sugar
level. Take in account the amount of food eaten, as well as the amount not eaten and
report this to the nurse. In the hospital, nursing home, assisted living homes and the
patient’s home care, we must make sure that the diabetic patient or resident:
• Eats a good diet
• Eats meals at the about the same time every day
• Does NOT miss any of their meals
• Has a snack at night if the doctor wants them to
Does NOT eat regular sweets, candy, cakes and cookies. Some doctors may allow the
patient to have special sweets, candy, cakes or cookies with no sugar or only a little sugar.
Good foot care is needed. Corns, Blisters, calluses, and other foot problems can lead to an
infection and amputation. Sometimes clients will have foot or leg wounds, due to
diabetes..(Mosby & Elsevier,2008) People with diabetes sometimes have poor blood flow
to their feet. They are also more prone to get infections. Nursing assistants must make
sure that all patients, especially diabetic patients:
• Are clean and well groomed
• Have good skin care
• Have good foot care. They should also wear shoes that fit well.
We should look at the feet of diabetic patients every day. If there is any redness or sores,
it should be reported to the nurse immediately.
Exercise could be essential to diabetic care. Nursing assistants should encourage the
person to at least walk on a regular basis when the doctor orders it. Exercise on a regular

3. basis is a very important activity of daily living. Some people may only be able to walk.
Simple arm and leg exercises while sitting in a chair are good for elderly people who are
not able to walk. Even these simple exercises are helpful. Always observe and report any
noticeable changes of the skin to the nurse, and always follow the nursing care plan.
Nursing assistants who take care of patients should know the signs of high blood sugar
and low blood sugar. If a nursing assistant observes a patient with the signs of high or low
blood sugar, it must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Resources:
http://www.nursingassistanteducation.com/site/courses/eng/nae-mmsd-eng.php
www.diabetes.org
(Mosby & Elsevier,2008)
Learning Resource Packet