Type 1 Diabetes Case Study

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the levels of glucose in the blood are too high. Anna Foley is a newly diagnosed patient with diabetes mellitus type 1. It will be discussed how diabetes mellitus type 1 disrupts the normal control of blood glucose in the body, the presenting symptoms of someone who has been newly diagnosed with the condition, and the nursing care requirements and care plan will be outlined for Miss Foley.
According to Australian Diabetes Council (2013), type one diabetes affects approximately 10-15% of all cases of diabetes and that it is the most common chronic childhood disease affecting most people before 30 years of age. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body and comes from carbohydrate foods we eat.
Two main hormones that are produced within the pancreatic islets or islets of Langerhans are Insulin and Glucagon, these can be found within the pancreas. Insulin reduces the levels of blood glucose in the body. When high levels of glucose are present in the blood, this stimulates the release of insulin from the beta cells. Whereas glucagon acts as an antagonist of insulin and raises the level of blood glucose in the body, glucagon is released by the alpha cells stimulated by the low levels of glucose (Farrell, M and Dempsey, J 2011 p, 1222). Insulin is an anabolic, or storage hormone. When a person eats a meal insulin is secreted and moves the glucose from the bloodstream into the muscles, liver and fat cells. Without insulin, blood levels of glucose rise to dramatically high levels (Marieb, E 2000 p, 326). If the concentration of glucose in the blood exceeds normal limits, the kidneys will not be able to reabsorb the glucose. When excess glucose is excreted in the urine, it is followed by excess loss of water and electrolytes, leaving the body to become dehydrated (Farrell, M and Dempsey, J 2011 p, 1222).
Farrell, M & Dempsey, J (2011 p, 1223), state that these are called the “three P’s”, Polyuria, Polydipsia and Polyphagia. These are the three main symptoms in which Anna has presented to the hospital with. Polyuria meaning increased urination to flush out the glucose, polydipsia excessive thirst resulting from the loss of water, and polyphagia meaning increased hunger due to the inability to use sugars and the loss of fat and proteins from the body. Other symptoms include fatigue and weakness, feeling dizzy, leg cramps, vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, dry skin, skin lesions or wounds that are slow healing, and ongoing infections (Farrell, M and Dempsey, J 2011 p, 1224). According to Marieb, E (2000 p, 326), the loss of body proteins leads to the deceased ability to fight infections. Diabetics must be careful when they suffer from a small cut or bruise and must be attended to immediately. Marieb, E (2000 p, 326) also states that this is because when large amounts of fats are being used for energy instead of sugars, the blood becomes very acidic (Acidosis), as ketones appear in the blood. The onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus may also be associated with sudden weight loss or nausea, vomiting or abdominal pains, if Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is present. Although DKA is not a presenting symptom of Miss Foley, it is still a common symptom that is