The fundamentals of diabetes care

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels with complications associated with micro- and macrovascular damage that has become a prevalent health concern worldwide. Nurses play a pivotal role in the prevention and management of this condition, providing both direct care and education. This article explores the fundamentals of diabetes care for registered nurses, highlighting the advancements and practical strategies in nursing practice in this area.

The prevalence of diabetes has increased globally, with significant implications for healthcare organisations. According to Diabetes UK, more than 5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, a number projected to rise significantly in the coming years (Diabetes UK, 2023). This increase necessitates that all health professionals, regardless of their specialty, possess a fundamental understanding of diabetes management.

Diabetes is primarily classified into three types. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that results in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that enables glucose to enter cells where it is used for energy. Patients with type 1 diabetes require immediate and lifelong insulin therapy. Ensuring timely and appropriate insulin administration is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2022).