Diabetes Basics
What organ produces insulin?
The pancreas
Name two common symptoms of diabetes besides the 3 P's
Fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, numbness/tingling, frequent infections
What blood test measures average blood sugar over the past 3 months?
Hemoglobin A1C
A blood sugar below this number is considered hypoglycemia.
70 mg/dL
Name two important lifestyle modifications for diabetes management.
Healthy diet, exercise, weight management, carbohydrate monitoring.
What type of diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of beta cells?
Type 1 diabetes
What are 2 risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes?
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, poor diet, and increasing age
Name 2 priority's a nurse should monitor for with a patient who has diabetes
Blood glucose & feet/skin for infections
The first treatment for hypoglycemia is giving how much fast-acting carbohydrate?
15 grams
What should a patient with diabetes carry in case their blood sugar becomes too low?
A fast-acting carbohydrate (juice, glucose tablets, candy)
What form of diabetes occurs during pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes
What is the "P" that means excessive thirst?
Polydipsia
The goal A1C for most people with diabetes is less than what percentage?
7%
What acute complication is most common in Type 1 Diabetes and causes fruity breath odor?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Name one sign of hypoglycemia a nurse should teach patients to recognize.
Sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion, or tachycardia