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Essay On Type 2 Diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes is an enormous and rising chronic disease seen in the United States (U.S.) and throughout many parts of the world. “Nearly 26 million Americans have the disease” (Fonseca, Kirkman, Darsow & Ratner, 2012, p. 1380). This includes over 10% of the total adult population and greater than 25% of the population 65 years and older (Fonseca, Kirkman, Darsow & Ratner, 2012). High prevalence rates of prediabetes have been recorded as well. According to Fonseca, Kirkman, Darsow & Ratner (2012), there is an additional 79 million adult Americans who have prediabetes. There are several reasons type 2 diabetes has a higher prevalence rate at this time and these risks include; age, ethnicity, obesity, family history, smoking and a sedentary …show more content…

The high prevalence rate of diabetes comes at a substantial economic cost. Fonseca, Kirkman, Darsow & Ratner (2012), report diabetes and prediabetes accounted for roughly $218 billion in direct medical costs and lost productivity in the U.S. in 2007. This chronic illness requires several diverse medical professionals to safely and efficiently provide health care to these complex patients. “The American Diabetes Association (ADA) standard of medical care recommends that diabetes treatment be delivered via health care team minimally consisting of a physician, nurse, dietitian, and mental health professional” (Earles, 2001, p. 848). Nurse educators are able to assess patients diabetes management skills and knowledge about the disease. Nurse educators also teach patients on the importance of glucose monitoring and insulin injection technique. The role of a dietician according to Earles (2001) is to develop individual meal plans for each patient and to present meal planning classes that covers general dietary guidelines. Lastly, pharmacists plays a big role as part of the interdisciplinary team as well. Many patients with diabetes have complex medication regimens (Earles, 2001). The team role of a pharmacist is to review and suggest alternative medications that may be more suited for the patient on an individual need. Pharmacists also assist the

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