The purpose of this written assignment is to discuss health promotion with a patient and their family that suffers from the chronic condition type two diabetes mellitus. First, I will define and describe health promotion. Next, we will discuss type two diabetes mellitus, its disease process, symptoms, and possible treatments. Finally, I will discuss three ways I could promote the health of the patient and family dealing with type two diabetes.
Family health promotion could be defined as a process that empowers a family to take control of their health through education by focusing on the physical, emotional, biological, and spiritual elements of the family members as a unit, with the family nurse also playing a vital role (Kaakinen et al., 2018). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition that affects the person body’s ability to effectively use the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to metabolize the body’s essential fuel source that is known as glucose or sugar. The hormone insulin is made in the pancreas and is then secreted into the bloodstream, where it acts like a key to open the door to the cells of the body, to allow glucose to enter the cells in order to be used for energy. When someone has type two diabetes their body either does not make enough insulin to control blood sugar or their body cannot adequately or effectively use the insulin that is produced by their pancreas, which results in there being too much glucose in the bloodstream. Type two diabetes is usually adult onset but can affect a person of any age and is usually linked to obesity. There are several risk factors such as: weight, inactivity, family history, age, and race or ethnicity. It usually comes on gradually, so it often goes unnoticed for years. There are several symptoms such as: fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, unintended weight loss, frequent infections, and darkened skin to the neck and armpits. The three most common symptoms are increased thirst, increased hunger, and increased urination. Leaving diabetes untreated could lead to several complications such as kidney, eye, and nerve damage. Prevention is key and can be possible with diet and lifestyle changes. If a person is diagnosed, they may be able to control the condition with diet changes, increased activity, weight loss, and certain medications. Type 2 diabetes has been classified as one of the most challenging chronic conditions to control (Carpenter et al., 2019).
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Health Promotion and Utilizing the Family of the Diabetic Patient
Families can play a pivotal role in a patient’s care and treatment of any chronic condition. Therefore, patients with type two diabetes mellitus need the support of their families in order to perform self-care and prevent complications (Luthfa & Ardian, 2019). Family empowerment is a strategy where the nurse collaborates with the family and provides information, strategies, and encouragement to help the family facilitate lifestyle changes (Kaakinen et al., 2018). The use of commendation could be used to empower the family to help enable them to view the issue in order to move towards the solution (Kaakinen et al., 2018). With the solution being diet and lifestyle changes, along with symptom management. I believe that including the family in the plan of care will increase the likelihood of its success. As the nurse, I would involve the whole family in the preparation of the plan of care, provide diet teaching, and provide instruction on modifiable lifestyle changes (Kaakinen et al., 2018). I would also include frequent follow-up visits to monitor for success, in which I believe will facilitate lasting results for the whole family.
Health Promotion and Educating the Diabetic Patient and Family
Knowledge is an important aspect regarding the influence of family involvement on diabetes self‐management (Bennich et al., 2019). The use of education is a key component of health promotion. However, prior to educating a patient it is essential that the family health nurse first assess their knowledge base and then gage their readiness to learn new information. After my assessment was completed, I would provide them with written educational material that they could review and then keep as a reference. Next, I would verbally deliver the information and be available to answer any questions they may have on the material that I shared. I would ensure that the material would include the description of type two diabetes mellitus, its disease process, symptoms, risk factors, complications, and possible treatments.
Health Promotion and Family Nutrition
Family nutrition is currently an intricate aspect of family health promotion and health protection (Kaakinen et al., 2018). The family nurse’s role in family nutrition is to assess the quality of nutrition being served, provide guidance, instruct, and support changes made by both the patient and their family (Kaakinen et al., 2018). Healthy eating habits can aid in the prevention and management of diabetes. I believe that involving the entire family in meal preparation and nutrition education will increase the likelihood of success with diet adherence and facilitate lasting lifestyle changes.
In conclusion, health promotion is critical for not only the newly diagnosed patient with diabetes but also their family. First, I defined and described health promotion. Next, we discussed type two diabetes mellitus, its disease process, symptoms, and treatments. Finally, we discussed three ways I could promote the health of the patient and family dealing with type two diabetes. I hope you found this written assignment both informative and enjoyable.
References
- Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., & Robinson, M. (2018). Family health care nursing: Theory, practice, and research (6th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
- Luthfa, I., & Ardian, I. (2019). Effects of family empowerment on increasing family support in patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. Nurse Media Journal of Nursing, 9(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v9i1.22501
- Bennich, B. B., Munch, L., Overgaard, D., Konradsen, H., Knop, F. K., Røder, M., Vilsbøll, T., & Egerod, I. (2019). Experience of family function, family involvement, and self‐management in adult patients with type 2 diabetes: A thematic analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(2), 621-631. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14256
- Carpenter, R., DiChiacchio, T., & Barker, K. (2019). Interventions for self-management of type 2 diabetes: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 6(1), 70-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2018.12.002
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