Understanding a Diabetic Patient’s Present State

Answer

Understanding a Diabetic Patient’s Present State

Understanding the current health state of the patient is dependent on various factors such as the history of present illness and the affiliated conditions. Considering a condition such as diabetes mellitus type 2, critical factors determining the current state of the patient condition include factors that contribute to the disorder and the associated symptoms associated polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia.

In Diabetes mellitus type 2, the diagnosis is entertained when a patient presents with several symptoms including weight loss, polyphagia, and polyuria. In other symptoms, they may reflect hyperglycemia which may be characterized by yeast infections and blurred vision (McGuire et al., 2016).  Important to note is that a patient diagnosed with the condition has it for at least four to seven years. In this regard, establishing the current state of the patient is centered on the history of the condition. One of the aspects to consider is whether the patient’s condition is well managed which is reflected by near-regular blood glucose levels. It is also essential to evaluate whether the patient has severe hypoglycemia episodes subjecting them to risks such as losing consciousness. This is especially the case if the patient suffers from cardiovascular condition or neuropathy (Zannad et al., 2015). In neuropathy, evaluating this history is critical since it alters the use of various medicines. The patient'’ knowledge on the condition and how it is managed is also essential to understand the current state. This is based on their ability to self-monitor their blood glucose levels in terms of the range of the values and frequency.  Also important to establish is when their hemoglobin A1c was last measured. In addition, the patient’s immunization history should be evaluated such as influenza, tetanus and herpes zoster.

For the sake of the patient’s circumstances, more questions that should be asked regarding their conditions include their recent history of polydipsia, nocturia, polyuria and weight loss, all which are related to hyperglycemia. If the patient has had episodes of hypoglycemia, the time, occurrence and frequency should be presented. The patient should also be questioned on the last time they had an eye examination and if so, what the results showed (Green et al., 2015). In the initial assessment, it is essential to evaluate other conditions that the patient has including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. If the patient has had infections, the common sites should be evaluated and the healing process including speed. To evaluate the work up completed to date, some of the aspects to consider include the variations in the patient’s condition such as stabilization of the blood glucose levels. The vital signs can also provide a clear understanding of the current state and work out completed. These include their weight and waist circumferences. Evaluating such signs is important in understanding the effective of the medication and non-pharmacological disease management. For instance, the weight control which is reflected in the BMI and other aspects such as waist circumference provides a basis of the patient’s commitment towards managing the condition through approaches such as diet and lifestyle changes. Among other factors to understand include the progression of the condition through examinations such as retinopathy which entails the review of the retina

Conclusively, evaluating the patient’s condition and understanding the present condition is dependent on the history of the disorder. The above discussion involves understanding the patient’s present state of diabetes mellitus type 2 through a discussion of the history of the condition such as the patient having hyperglycemia, nocturia, polyuria, and weight loss. The current state is also understood based on the management of the condition by the patient and effectiveness of the medication.