Diabetes Worksheet
Name: _____________________________________________
Date: ___________________________
Name of Trainer: Leigh Kelly RN ADN
Name of Company: Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd
Segment 1
Q: What is diabetes?
A: A condition where there is too much glucose (or sugar) in the blood.
The Pancreas produces insulin which is essential for the body. Insulin break down
glucose so that it can enter the cells can enter the cells and give you energy
List the 3 reasons that diabetes occurs
1
Pancreas cannot produce insulin
2
Pancreas is too sluggish or does not produce enough insulin
3
The body becomes resistant to insulin
List what happens when we eat food
1
Glucose rises in our blood
2
Pancreas releases insulin so glucose can enter the cell
3.
Have energy
How long does it take for food to enter your blood stream?
1 Sweet sugary food immediately
2 Carbohydrates
1-2 hours
3 Protein
4 hours
4 Fats
6 hours_
When glucose builds up in the body it overflows into the kidneys and passes out in urine
Segment 2
List the difference between Type 1 and type 2 Diabetes
Type 1
Type 2
Age
Under 30
40+
Onset
Sudden
Gradual
% of Populations 10%
90%
Cause
Genetic disposition
Familial connection
autoimmune reaction
Obesity
Stress
Age
Virus
Environment
Treatment
Insulin essential for survival Tablets & sometimes insulin
Insulin
Insulin deficiency
Insulin resistance or
decrease in insulin
production
© Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd 2009
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Difference in Signs & symptoms of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1
Type 2
Increased Thirst
Yes – rapid onset
Yes – gradual onset
Increased Urination
Yes – rapid onset
Yes – gradual onset
Weight
Loss – but very hungry
Usually overweight
Fatigue, Tiredness &
Sudden & unexplained
Gradual
Irritability
Yeast Infections
Persistent & increasing
Gradual & persistent
Blurred Vision
More sudden/sever
Gradual – gets worse
Wounds
Cuts don’t heal
Ulcers won’t heal
Numbness & tingling of feet
Sudden unexplained
gradual
What are the 3 tests that diagnose diabetes?
1 Blood glucose level above 11.1 mmo/l
2Fasting glucose
3glugose tolerance test
What is hypoglycaemia? Low blood sugar
What is hyperglycaemia? High blood sugar
What is the difference between hypogylcemai and hyperglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia
Pulse
Rapid
Normal
Skin
Moist & pale
Flushed & dry
Behavior
Excited or nervous
Drowsy
Breathing
Rapid & shallow
Deep & labored
Breath
Normal
Fruity odour
Vomiting
Absent
Present
Tongue
Moist/numb
Dry
Hunger
Present
Absent
Thirst
Absent
Present
Pain
Headache
Abdominal
Segment 3 Treatment
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes are always treated with insulin
When giving insulin what are the 6 things you must know about insulin?
1
Only gives what is charted
2
Always give 30 mins before food
3
Given in pen or syringe
4
Keep spare cartridges in fridge
5
Keep cartridge in current use at room temperature
6
Rotate Insulin sites
Insulin is always given by injection
When you give insulin you must pinch the skin and hold the needle at 90◦ degree angle.
© Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd 2009
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What are the two things that can happen if you always give insulin into the same site?
Any of the following: Lipoatrophy (subcutaneous fatty tissues die)
Lipohypertrophy (subcutaneous tissue becomes thick and hard)
Skin rashes
Why is important to always rotate injection sites? So complications as above are reduced
Insulin administration. What are the 7 important things to know about insulin and insulin
administration?
1Infection Control – wash hands
2. Get client to give insulin if possible
3. Make sure you are trained
4. Don’t give insulin if client isn’t eating – refer to doctor or RN
5 Giving insulin without food could kill a person
6 Check blood sugar measurement before giving insulin
7 Food must be eaten 30 mins after insulin is given
Segment 4
Type 2 Diabetes
Where is the fat distribution of a person that is responsible for type 2 diabetes?
Central Body Fat
Type 2 Diabetics are usually treated with Tablets.
In order for the medication to work what must the pancreas do? Produce some insulin
When are medications usually given? On time as charted (commonly at breakfast)
What happens when the tablets no longer work? Insulin will be commenced
What do you do if a person complains about feeling sick after they have taken their tablet
medication? Give tablet in middle of meal
Segment 5
List the 6 steps when taking a blood sugar measurement.
1 Wash hands
2 Prick finger
3 Gently squeeze finger
4 Put small drop of blood on test strip
5 Wait for glucometer to give a reading
6 Record result
When do you take the blood sugar measurement of a person with Type 1 diabetes?
Before giving insulin
When do you take the blood sugar measurement of a person with type 2 diabetes? daily
or weekly
What must you refer to for instructions? As per Care Plan
Give two possible causes for Hyperglycemia? Any of the following Skipping or
forgetting insulin, eating too much carbohydrate for the insulin given, illness, infection,
too much strenuous exercise or reduced exercise and insulin not adjusted.
Give two possible causes for Hypoglycaemia mean? Any of the following Skipping a
meal, taking insulin without eating a meal, excessive exercise and don’t compensate with
food, oral diabetic medication taken without eating, alcoholic beverages
© Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd 2009
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Hyperglycaemia is a medical emergency. What could happen? A person could go into a
coma
What do they need to bring their blood sugar down? Insulin
What do you need to do for a person with hypoglycaemia? Give them glucose
What might you give them? 4 jelly beans, 2 glucogon tablets followed by a sandwich,
glass of milk or a meal within 10 mins
Segment 6
List 3 things that are really important for a diabetic regarding diet?
1 Never miss a meal
2. Have protein and carbohydrate at every meal
3 Don’t eat too much food or drink too much alcohol
4. Monitor blood sugar levels and try to keep between 4 -7.
What are the two reasons diabetics have problems with their feet?
1 Nerve damage in foot/leg (due to high blood sugar levels)
2 Blood vessel damage
List two foot problems a diabetic person is very prone to?
1 Gangrene of the foot (due to poor circulation)
2. Nail bed infections can lead to gangrene
List 4 things you must ensure a person with diabetes must avoid?
1 Using hot water bottles or wheat bags
2 Pressure on foot from poor fitting shoes
3 Don’t let foot/leg get too close to heater (never damage means could get burnt)
4. Keep feet away from hard surfaces
5. Report any skin infections early
List 4 important things you must report to the Registered Nurse or Medical Practitioner?
(Any of the following)
• Blood sugar levels go above 11 or below 4
• Is Always hungry
• Is Confused
• Complains of headache or fuzzy head
• Has a strange smell on breath
• Is drowsy
• Is extremely thirsty
• Has a change in breathing
© Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd 2009
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