Courtney P. Whyte
When dealing with a patient who has just been diagnosed with any new disease or
disorder it is imperative that the nurse provides them with education on their new diagnoses and
treatment options. Luke Skywalker who was just diagnosed with type two diabetes mellitus
(DM), it is crucial that he receives information about his new diagnosis and treatment options
before he is discharged. This paper will discuss the disease process of type two diabetes, what
nutrients this patient should consume and those to avoid, the rationale behind that decision, and
the disease, obesity, poor diet, and extreme caloric intake. Type two diabetes is characterized by
the body being able to produce insulin, but then becomes resistant to the insulin, (Waddell, 2017,
p.21). One way to help control type two diabetes is to eat a well-balanced diet and exercise.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans discusses the importance of eating a well-
rounded diet versus isolating specific nutrients. The American Heart Association and the
American Diabetes Association recommends that patients that have type two diabetes follow the
Mediterranean dietary pattern. The Mediterranean diet suggests that patients eat mostly plant-
based foods, with olive oil as the main source of fat, low-to-moderate intake of protein, and use
alterative herbs and spices instead of sodium, (Esposito, Maiorion, Bellastella, Panagiotakos, &
Rationale for the Mediterranean Diet. There has been a noted link between
inflammation and insulin resistance in type two diabetics. The Mediterranean diet helps with the
TYPE TWO DIABETES NUTRITIONAL PAPER 3
inflammatory process because it promotes foods that are considered anti-inflammatory and
antioxidative nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals and polyphenols. When following
this diet, patients are supposed to limit their starches, refined sugars, and trans fats which are
considered pro-inflammatory nutrients which the body doesn’t appreciated. (Esposito et al.,
2017, p.29). With the limitation of refined sugars, starches and trans fats it helps promote
lowering of blood glucose levels. Eating right and exercise will limit the need for other means
Patient Education
With Mr. Skywalker being discharged later on today it vital that he is taught about his
new diagnosis and how to manage it. One of the best ways to teach a patient is to give them
phamplets that are rich in information. These pamphletes can include why type two diabetes
occurs, how to know how much insulin to inject, and how to inject it. It also would be useful to
give the patient some sample reciepes to give them an idea of what their diet should include to
help lower their blood sugar levels. The teach-back method would be useful for this patient. The
nurse should have that patient demonstrate how to use a sliding scale for insulin, how to draw up
Type two diabetes is a disease that can be managed using different methods. A non-
invasive way to help manage this diease is to make lifestyle adjustments. This includes eating
more frutis and veggies, and limiting starches, sugars, and processed meats. Informing the
patient why this needs to occur will help them have a better quality of life. Providing
informationa and sample recieps will give patients an idea of benefical nutrients and what to eat
References
Esposito, K., Maiorino, M.I., Bellastella, G., Panagiotakos, D.B., Giuglian, D. (2017).
Mediterranean diet for type 2 diabetes: cardiometabolic benefits. Endocrine, 56(1), 27-
32. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/10.1007/s12020-016-1018-2
Waddell, J.M. (2017). An update on type 2 diabetes management in primary care. The Nurse