Dealing with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

By Amanda Godsey, FNP-C

Let's acknowledge how difficult it can be as health care providers to explain diabetes to a patient and for the patient to comprehend all the information they need to know regarding diabetes once diagnosed in just one office visit.

Now, I understand we can bring them back to the office for follow-up visits as much as possible and refer them to a nutritionist to help educate them better about their diet. We have all done this in providing patient care for our diabetic patients. But what we really need to do is educate people about how to prevent this dreaded disease and all the problems it brings with it.

First, what is diabetes? There are two types of diabetes that we commonly diagnose - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 we have no control over. It involves the body's inability to produce insulin. Patients with type 1 will require insulin injections or an insulin pump throughout their lifetime. Type 1 is typically diagnosed early in life.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and when diagnosed, we can have control over it in many cases. Type 2 can be managed by diet, exercise and may, or may not require insulin. In many cases oral medications are required if the condition cannot be controlled by diet and lifestyle changes alone.

Read more: Dealing with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

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