Diabetes Mellitus: Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia, and Management Strategies

What are common manifestations of hypoglycemia?

Shakiness, sweating, tachycardia, blurred vision, headache, hunger, cool clammy skin

What phrase helps remember hypoglycemia symptoms?

Cool and clammy, give me candy

What is the 15-15 rule for hypoglycemia?

Give 15-20 g of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, then recheck blood glucose

What are examples of fast-acting carbs for hypoglycemia?

4 oz juice, 3-4 glucose tablets, 1 tbsp honey, or 6 oz regular soda

What medication is given if a diabetic patient is unconscious from hypoglycemia?

Glucagon IM or SQ

What are common signs of hyperglycemia?

Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, warm dry skin, poor wound healing, blurred vision

What random blood glucose level suggests hyperglycemia?

≥200 mg/dL

Which type of diabetes is most associated with DKA?

Type 1 diabetes

What causes DKA?

Lack of insulin

What blood glucose level is commonly seen in DKA?

>300 mg/dL

What respiratory pattern is seen in DKA?

Kussmaul respirations

What breath odor is associated with DKA?

Fruity or acetone breath

What urine finding is common in DKA?

Ketones in the urine

What are additional symptoms of DKA?

Polydipsia, confusion, dehydration

What fasting glucose range indicates prediabetes?

100-125 mg/dL

What A1C level indicates prediabetes?

5.7-6.4%

What 2-hour OGTT result indicates prediabetes?

140-199 mg/dL

What fasting glucose level indicates diabetes?

≥126 mg/dL

What A1C level indicates diabetes?

≥6.5%

What 2-hour OGTT level indicates diabetes?

≥200 mg/dL

What random glucose level with symptoms indicates diabetes?

≥200 mg/dL

What newborn complication can occur with gestational diabetes?

Newborn hypoglycemia

What does macrosomia mean?

Large baby

What respiratory problem can newborns of diabetic mothers develop?

Respiratory distress

What are maternal symptoms of hypoglycemia in gestational diabetes?

Shaky, sweaty, blurred vision

How should hypoglycemia be treated during pregnancy?

Fast-acting carbohydrates

How often should diabetic patients inspect their feet?

Daily

What type of shoes should diabetic patients wear?

Closed-toe shoes

What type of socks are recommended for diabetics?

Cotton socks

How should toenails be cut in diabetic patients?

Straight across

Why should diabetics avoid soaking their feet?

Increases risk of skin breakdown and infection

Why should lotion not be applied between the toes?

Moisture can promote fungal growth

Why should diabetic patients avoid walking barefoot?

To prevent injuries and infections

Which macronutrient should make up the largest percentage of calories in a diabetic diet?

Carbohydrates

What type of carbohydrates are preferred for diabetics?

Complex carbohydrates like whole grains

Why should alcohol be consumed with meals in diabetics?

To prevent hypoglycemia

When mixing Regular and NPH insulin, which insulin is clear?

Regular insulin

When mixing Regular and NPH insulin, which insulin is cloudy?

NPH insulin

What is the correct order for mixing Regular and NPH insulin?

Air into NPH, air into Regular, withdraw Regular, withdraw NPH

Which insulin is withdrawn first when mixing insulin?

Regular insulin

What causes long-term diabetic complications?

Chronic hyperglycemia

What nerve complication can diabetes cause?

Neuropathy

What eye complication can diabetes cause?

Retinopathy

What kidney complication can diabetes cause?

Nephropathy

What wound-related complication is common in diabetes?

Poor wound healing

What is the best prevention for diabetic complications?

Maintaining stable blood glucose levels

How does exercise affect blood glucose?

It lowers blood glucose

When should diabetics check blood glucose around exercise?

Before, during, and after new activities

What should diabetic patients carry during exercise?

Fast-acting carbohydrates

Why should diabetics not skip meals before exercise?

To prevent hypoglycemia

What should the nurse assess before teaching a diabetic client?

What the client already knows

What type of questions should nurses use during teaching?

Open-ended questions

Should diabetic children be encouraged to participate in sports?

Yes, participation in normal activities is encouraged

What causes peripheral neuropathy in diabetes?

Chronic high blood glucose damaging nerves

What are symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Numbness, tingling, burning pain

What diabetic condition is always the priority?

Hypoglycemia

In prioritization, what comes before chronic issues?

Safety issues

Why do foot wounds in diabetic patients require prompt attention?

Because of poor healing and high infection risk