Ms. Jones is 60 years old and obese. She has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and will be started on glyburide. She is very nervous about this diagnosis and concerned that she will need to give herself “shots.”
Explain the difference between diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2.
How does glyburide help decrease blood sugar levels?
What are the key teaching points for patients taking oral antidiabetic agents?
Full Answer Section
- Type 1 diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, your body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood.
- Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, your body becomes resistant to insulin. This means that your cells don't respond to insulin as well as they should. As a result, glucose builds up in your blood.
How Glyburide Helps Decrease Blood Sugar Levels
Glyburide is an oral antidiabetic agent that helps to decrease blood sugar levels by increasing the production of insulin by the pancreas. Glyburide also helps to make the cells more sensitive to insulin.
Key Teaching Points for Patients Taking Oral Antidiabetic Agents
The key teaching points for patients taking oral antidiabetic agents include:
- Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Be aware of the side effects of the medication and report any side effects to your doctor.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Make lifestyle changes to help manage your diabetes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Ms. Jones's Concerns
Ms. Jones is understandably nervous about her diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. She is also concerned that she will need to give herself "shots."
It is important to reassure Ms. Jones that she does not need to give herself "shots" if she is taking glyburide. Glyburide is an oral medication, so she will take it by mouth, just like any other pill.
It is also important to educate Ms. Jones about type 2 diabetes and how it can be managed. Ms. Jones should understand that type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, but it can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
Conclusion
Ms. Jones's diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be a challenge, but it is important to remember that it is a manageable disease. With proper education and treatment, Ms. Jones can live a long and healthy life.