My role as a family nurse practitioner can have a major impact on the treatment of diabetes patients by providing complete care and encouraging patient education. Agarwal Tandon and Gupta (2018) found that comprehensive diabetes care includes addressing all aspects of management including blood sugar, glucose control, weight control, smoking cessation and other micro- and macrovascular issues.
A specific patient education that I can do to reduce symptoms of disease is to make sure patients are active. A study by O’Brien et al. O’Brien et al. (2016) concluded that exercise is a good way to control diabetes. A minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity should be done per week by patients suffering from diabetes. 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity should also be performed per week.
Patients may be taught the importance of exercise, and I might recommend certain types of activities, like swimming or biking. To ensure they don’t experience hypoglycemia, I might also help them monitor their blood sugar levels prior and during physical activity. To help them develop an individual exercise plan, I might recommend they consult a physical therapist.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, my role is to provide comprehensive care for patients suffering from diabetes and educate them. Patients can reduce their risk of developing disease and increase their physical activity.