Unit 2: Diabetes Mellitus - Nursing Management Part 1

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus
- More common than Diabetes Insipidus
- Means "sweet siphon" in Latin
- Characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Known historically as "pissing evil" due to sugar in urine
- Affects 25.8 million people in the US; 1/3 undiagnosed
- Causes damage to blood vessels and nerves
Diabetes Insipidus
- Rare
- Known as "bland siphon"
- Characterized by excessive fluid loss, not sugar

Group of diseases with hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion or action
Classified as glucose intolerance
Prevalence increasing due to sedentary lifestyle and high-sugar diet
Disproportionately affects minority and older populations
Leading cause of death due to cardiovascular disease

Type 1 Diabetes
- Accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases
- Destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to insulin deficiency
- Causes unchecked glucose production by the liver
- Known as early onset or juvenile diabetes
- Can be due to genetic predisposition, immunologic issues, or environmental factors like viruses
- Example: Virus-induced beta cell attack
Type 2 Diabetes
- Majority of diabetes cases
- Impaired insulin secretion or cell responsivity
- Slow and progressive condition
- Linked to obesity and increased prevalence in children
- Often goes undetected until permanent damage occurs

Family history
Obesity, particularly over 30 years of age
Age over 45
Minority ethnicities: African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander
Impaired glucose metabolism (pre-diabetes)
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
History of gestational diabetes or large baby (over 9 pounds)