Transitions of Care: Diabetes
Presented by Constance Sheets and Rose Flinchum
Diabetes has now reached pandemic proportions. Hospitalization expenditures for the disease have been quoted at $176 billion annually (Enomoto. Shrestha, Rosenthal, Hollenbeak & Gabby, 2017). The prevalence of diabetes increases with age, reaching 25.2% in those 65 and older (American Diabetes Association, 2015). Elders living in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are at an increased risk of developing acute and chronic complications related to diabetes. Comorbidities affect and are affected by diabetes, rendering it a complex problem in which nurses will need to personalize residents’ care and establish achievable goals to prevent complications that lead to readmission. Due to the significant disease burden, this course will provide nurses with an overview of pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, general diabetic management and care, assessment for the development of complications, and interventions nurses can provide to prevent readmissions.
Meet your instructors
Constance Sheets
Dr. Sheets has taught in the undergraduate nursing program at Valparaiso University since 2004. She is certified in gerontology and has an extensive home health background. She has co-authored articles that have been published in Rehabilitation Nursing and Nursing Education Perspectives, and has been a content…
Rose Flinchum
Ms. Flinchum is an advanced practice nurse with forty years' experience in staff and patient/community diabetes self-management education. She has held the position of Clinical Nurse Specialist-Diabetes Educator at La Porte Hospital (formerly Indiana University La Porte Hospital) since 2007 and is currently program…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Pathophysiology and Symptoms
Diabetes is a complex problem involving many body systems. Knowledge of diabetes pathophysiology is important in the understanding of its manifestations. This chapter will discuss overall pathophysiology of diabetes, distinguish type 1 from type 2, and identify signs and symptoms of the disease.
2. Diabetes Management
Management of diabetes requires a multifaceted approach. This chapter will focus on nutrition, activity, medications, and monitoring to promote better outcomes.
3. Assessing for Complications
Prevention and early recognition of developing complications is essential for improving resident outcomes. This chapter provides an overview of assessment parameters for early recognition of impending complications to prevent readmissions, with a focus on hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, urosepsis, and wounds. Suggestions of interventions that can be used to prevent and address common diabetic complications will be given.
4. Case Study
In this case study, the learner will be able to synthesize what was learned in the course. Interactive technology will allow learners to use their new knowledge and skills to reduce rehospitalization for high-risk patients with diabetes.
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