Application: Diabetes and Drug Treatments

Diabetes is an endocrine system disorder that affects millions of children and adults (ADA, 2011). If left
untreated, diabetic patients are at risk for several alterations including heart disease, stroke, kidney
failure, neuropathy, and blindness.  There are various methods for treating diabetes, many of which
include some form of drug therapy. The type of diabetes as well as the patient’s behavior factors will
impact treatment recommendations. In this Assignment, you compare types of diabetes including drug
treatments for type 1, type 2, gestational, and juvenile diabetes.
To prepare:
 Review this week’s media presentation on the endocrine system and diabetes, as well as
Chapter 45 of the Arcangelo and Peterson text and the Peterson et al. article in the Learning
Resources.
 Reflect on differences between types of diabetes including type 1, type 2, gestational, and
juvenile diabetes.
 Select one type of diabetes.
 Consider one type of drug used to treat the type of diabetes you selected including proper
preparation and administration of this drug. Then, reflect on dietary considerations related to
treatment.
 Think about the short-term and long-term impact of the diabetes you selected on patients
including effects of drug treatments.
To complete:
Write a 2- to 3- page paper that addresses the following:
 Explain the differences between types of diabetes including type 1, type 2, gestational, and
juvenile diabetes.
 Describe one type of drug used to treat the type of diabetes you selected including proper
preparation and administration of this drug. Include dietary considerations related to treatment.
 Explain the short-term and long-term impact of this diabetes on patients including effects of
drugs treatments.
Reminder: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction,
summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example
of those required elements (available at http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htm). All papers
submitted must use this formatting.

Readings
 Arcangelo, V. P., & Peterson, A. M. (Eds.). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice:
A practical approach (3rd ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.( This is the text for this
class)  
o Chapter 36, “Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis” (pp. 538–559)
This chapter examines the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It then outlines the process of selecting,
administering, and managing drug therapy for both disorders.
o Chapter 37, “Fibromyalgia” (pp. 560–567)
This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of
fibromyalgia. It also covers the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug
therapy for this disorder.
o Chapter 45, “Diabetes Mellitus” (pp. 696–714)
This chapter begins by identifying the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of
diabetes mellitus. It then examines the process of selecting, administering, and
managing drug therapy for patients with diabetes mellitus.
o Chapter 46, “Thyroid Disorders” (pp. 715–729)
This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and
administration of drug therapy for patients with thyroid disorders, including
hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, subclinical thyroid disease, and
thyroiditis. It also discusses the mechanisms of prescribed drugs, as well as proper
dosages and potential adverse reactions.

 Ben-Zacharia, A. (2011). Therapeutics for multiple sclerosis symptoms. The Mount Sinai Journal
of Medicine, 78(2), 176–191.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article covers the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis and explores
methods for treating other health issues that arise from multiple sclerosis.
 Kargiotis, O., Paschali, A., Messinis, L., & Papathanasopoulos, P. (2010). Quality of life in multiple
sclerosis: Effects of current treatment options. International Review of Psychiatry, 22(1), 67–82.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article examines the process of evaluating and diagnosing patients who present with
symptoms of multiple sclerosis and explores treatment and rehabilitation methods.

 Peterson, K., Silverstein, J., Kaufman, F., & Warren-Boulton, E. (2007). Management of type 2
diabetes in youth: An update. American Family Physician, 76(5), 658–664.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article outlines the process of diagnosing, treating, and managing youths with or at risk of
type 2 diabetes. It also suggests methods for body weight management and reducing
cardiovascular disease risks.
 Drugs.com. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/
This website presents a comprehensive review of prescription and over-the-counter drugs
including information on common uses and potential side effects. It also provides updates
relating to new drugs on the market, support from health professionals, and a drug-drug
interactions checker.
Media
 Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). The endocrine system and diabetes.
Baltimore, MD: Author.
This media presentation explores the endocrine system and diabetes including diagnosis and
treatment of the disease.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.
 Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Advanced pharmacology – Mid-course
review. Baltimore, MD: Author.