Friday, May 15, 2020

Gerontologic Considerations of Diabetes Mellitus - 1500 Words

Gerontologic Considerations of Diabetes Mellitus According to the Department of Health and Human Services (2011), 18.5 % of the United States population is over the age of 60 years. Of these, 10.9 million (26.9%) are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (ADA, 2011.) In Lewis and associates’ text book on Medical- Surgical nursing, Lewis states that the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) increases with age (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, and Camera, 2011.) The purpose of this paper is to explore the disease process of diabetes mellitus in the geriatric population. Pathology According to Lewis and associates, DM is a chronic disease that affects multiple body systems. For the purpose of this paper, only DM type 2 will be discussed based†¦show more content†¦The study was inconclusive on the factors involved, but the researchers suggest more studies need to be completed. (Salpeter, Khalaileh, Weinberg-Corem, Ziv, Glaser, and Dor, 2013) Another study suggests that diminished insulin sensitivity in the elderly is multifactoral as well. (Chen, Bergman, Pacini, Porte, Jr., 1985) Factors contributing to altered carbohydrate metabolism in aging include obesity and a progressive decline in physical activity. (Lewis et al., 2011) Lastly, the elderly also may take medications that treat comorbidities that effect insulin and glucose. Some of these include coreg, lipitor, corticosteroids, and lotensin. (Vallerand and Sanoski, 2013) Signs and Symptoms Typically, clinical manifestations of DM type 2 are nonspecific due to the fact that the onset is so gradual. Nevertheless, some may present with the classical signs of polydipsia, polyphasia, and polyuria. Common signs and symptoms associated with type 2 DM include fatigue, frequent infections, recurring yeast infections, dry skin, poor wound healing, and visual changes. (Lewis et al., 2011) According to the American Diabetes Association, seven million people are presumed to live undiagnosed with DM (ADA, 2011.) Many of these patients are overShow MoreRelatedEssay on Virginia Henderson, the Nursing Theorist1924 Words   |  8 Pagesapproach is going to be used to better understand concept and show how it is the foundation of the nursing process still used today. Case Study Mr. Jones is a 64 year old well nourished man with a history of long-standing non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). He had an open heart -surgery bypass graft 7 weeks ago. The graft site got infected and had to undergo an emergency surgery to improve circulation to his left lower limb. Mr. Jones is relieved that his leg was saved and he is now being

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