These include frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), and excessive hunger (polyphagia). Other signs include excess glucose in the blood due to the body not being able to process all the extra glucose that is being left from the inability to use the insulin properly. This high sugar level can cause fatigue, blurred vision, abdominal pain, and headaches. It also causes the body to need more water to return the body to homeostasis. Fatigue and frequent urination are symptoms that may send a person to seek medical care (Williams, L. S., & Hopper, P. D., 2015). A patient may seek medical care if they have sores on their feet that become infected due to not healing as this may be a sign of diabetes mellitus (Scobie, I. N., Campbell, I. W., & Samaras, K., …show more content…
A patient that is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus will be taught to monitor their blood glucose levels at home. Usually they will monitor four times a day, before each meal and before bedtime. A log should be kept and given to their doctor to determine if treatment is effective to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Insulin is the most common medication used to treat diabetes mellitus. The patient must be taught about the different kinds of insulin, how to mix the insulin if required, and how to self-inject themselves each day. Education on managing diabetes mellitus is key to being successful. Nutrition will be a huge part of the education process. Eating every four to five hours while awake has proven beneficial in controlling blood sugars and keeping it stable (Williams, L. S., & Hopper, P. D., 2015). It is also important to include a moderate amount of protein and a constant carbohydrate with each meal and snack. Losing 10-20 pounds will have a very positive impact on lowering your blood glucose levels. Getting plenty of exercise will help you to lose weight as well as make you healthier in general which can help control the blood glucose levels (Milchovich, S. K., & Dunn-Long, B., 2011). According to Williams, L. S., & Hopper, P. D., (2015) “the only cure for diabetes mellitus is a pancreas transplant”. However, in type 2 diabetes mellitus, it has been proven effective to lose weight and control your diet and can sometimes reduce the need for medications