Diabetic Care Module Comprehensive Training Presentation (Introduction & Pathophysiology Sample)
What is Diabetes? Chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia Results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both
Types of Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes – autoimmune destruction of beta cells Type 2 Diabetes – insulin resistance + beta-cell dysfunction Gestational Diabetes – during pregnancy Other types – secondary to diseases/medications
Global Burden 537 million adults (20–79 yrs) living with diabetes worldwide (IDF 2021) Expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 Major cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost
Why Diabetic Care Matters Prevent acute complications (DKA, HHS, hypoglycemia) Reduce risk of chronic complications (CVD, kidney disease, blindness, amputations) Improve quality of life and longevity
Objectives of Module Understand pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management Emphasize lifestyle interventions and self-care Highlight acute and chronic complication management Empower healthcare teams and patients
Normal Glucose Metabolism Insulin regulates glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue Suppresses hepatic glucose production Maintains normal fasting and postprandial glucose levels
Pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells Absolute insulin deficiency Often presents in childhood/adolescence
Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Combination of insulin resistance and impaired beta-cell function Progressive loss of insulin secretion over time Associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics
From Prediabetes to Diabetes Insulin resistance develops early Beta-cell dysfunction worsens gradually Impaired glucose tolerance progresses to overt diabetes
Screening Guidelines Adults ≥ 45 years: test every 3 years Younger adults with risk factors: overweight, family history, hypertension, PCOS Gestational diabetes screening at 24–28 weeks
Monitoring Methods Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) using glucometers Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for real-time trends HbA1c every 3–6 months Urine tests for protein/ketones when needed
Diagnosis Algorithm Step 1: Screen risk factors / symptoms Step 2: Order FPG, OGTT, or HbA1c Step 3: Confirm abnormal test on repeat day Step 4: Diagnose diabetes or prediabetes Step 5: Initiate lifestyle/pharmacological care
Importance of Monitoring Detects disease early Prevents acute complications Slows chronic complications Guides therapy adjustment
Role of Diet Balanced meals with whole grains, vegetables, lean protein Limit refined carbs and sugary beverages Encourage portion control and mindful eating
Glycemic Index Low GI foods: legumes, oats, whole grains High GI foods: white bread, sugary snacks Prefer low-to-moderate GI meals to reduce glucose spikes
Physical Activity At least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity Strength training 2–3 times/week Reduce sedentary time (break sitting every 30 min)
Weight Management Aim for 5–10% weight loss in overweight patients Sustainable lifestyle changes over crash diets Behavioral counseling may help
Stress Management Stress increases cortisol → raises blood sugar Techniques: yoga, meditation, breathing exercises Support groups and counseling
Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Poor sleep linked to insulin resistance Target 7–8 hours of quality sleep Maintain regular sleep-wake schedule
Alcohol & Smoking Limit alcohol: ≤1 drink/day (women), ≤2 drinks/day (men) Avoid binge drinking → risk of hypoglycemia Smoking cessation is critical to reduce CV risk
Personalized Care Cultural dietary considerations Individualized exercise capacity Tailored goals for elderly or comorbid patients
Lifestyle Management Wheel Comprehensive approach to optimize glycemic control.
Injectable Agents: GLP-1 RAs Examples: liraglutide, semaglutide Mechanism: enhance insulin, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying Benefits: weight loss, CV protection Side effects: nausea, GI upset, high cost
Insulin Therapy Indicated when oral therapy inadequate or in severe hyperglycemia Types: basal, prandial, premixed Requires patient education on injection, hypoglycemia prevention
Insulin Regimens Basal-only: once daily (NPH, glargine, detemir) Basal-bolus: basal + mealtime rapid-acting Premixed: fixed ratio of basal + bolus Choice depends on patient lifestyle and glucose pattern
Treatment Algorithm Step 1: Lifestyle + Metformin Step 2: Add 2nd agent (SGLT2i, DPP4i, SU, or GLP1-RA) Step 3: Triple therapy if needed Step 4: Insulin initiation when HbA1c uncontrolled
Key Considerations Individualize therapy by comorbidities (CVD, CKD, obesity) Balance efficacy, safety, cost, and adherence Educate patients on hypoglycemia recognition and sick-day rules
Acute Complications Overview Diabetes can cause sudden life-threatening events Most common: Hypoglycemia, DKA, HHS Prompt recognition and treatment is critical
Hypoglycemia Definition: blood glucose <70 mg/dL Symptoms: sweating, tremors, confusion, seizures Treatment: oral glucose, IV dextrose, glucagon if severe Prevention: patient education, medication adjustment
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) More common in Type 1 DM Causes: infection, missed insulin, MI Features: hyperglycemia, acidosis, ketonuria Treatment: fluids, IV insulin, electrolytes, treat cause
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) Occurs mainly in Type 2 DM, elderly Very high glucose (>600 mg/dL), dehydration, no significant ketosis Treatment: aggressive IV fluids, insulin, correct electrolytes
Acute Complication Management Flowchart Algorithm for rapid recognition and treatment of acute diabetic emergencies.
Microvascular: Retinopathy Leading cause of blindness Types: non-proliferative, proliferative, macular edema Screening: annual eye exam Treatment: laser, anti-VEGF therapy
Microvascular: Nephropathy Leading cause of ESRD Signs: proteinuria, declining GFR Prevention: tight BP and glucose control, ACE inhibitors/ARBs Annual urine albumin/creatinine ratio
Macrovascular: Cardiovascular Disease Increased risk of MI, stroke, PAD Risk factors: hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking Prevention: BP <130/80, statins, aspirin if indicated Lifestyle + pharmacological management
Complication Prevention Strategies Tight glucose control Annual screening: eyes, kidneys, feet Manage BP and lipids Smoking cessation, exercise, healthy diet
Chronic Complication Burden Distribution of long-term complications in diabetes.
Special Populations Overview Management must be tailored for different groups Gestational diabetes, elderly patients, children/adolescents Consider unique risks, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors
Gestational Diabetes: Screening & Risks Screen at 24–28 weeks with OGTT Risks: macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, maternal type 2 DM later Close monitoring required during pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes: Management Lifestyle modification: diet and exercise Insulin is preferred if medication needed Oral agents (metformin, glyburide) used selectively Frequent glucose monitoring essential
Elderly Patients Higher risk of hypoglycemia and comorbidities Individualized HbA1c targets (often <8%) Polypharmacy and drug interactions common Focus on quality of life and fall prevention
Children & Adolescents Most Type 1, some Type 2 (with obesity) Insulin is mainstay; pump/CGM use increasing Challenges: growth, puberty, peer/social issues School/daycare support needed
Self-Care & Patient Education Cornerstone of effective diabetes management Includes glucose monitoring, medication adherence, diet, exercise Patient empowerment and shared decision-making critical
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) Frequency depends on therapy (more with insulin) CGM improves control and reduces hypoglycemia Patients must learn to interpret and act on results
Foot Care Daily self-inspection of feet Annual professional exam Prevent ulcers and amputations Wear proper footwear, avoid barefoot walking
Sick-Day Rules Monitor glucose and ketones more frequently Continue insulin even if eating less Maintain hydration Seek medical care if vomiting or unable to control glucose
Empowerment & Support Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs Support groups improve adherence Technology (apps, reminders) aids daily care Family/caregiver involvement beneficial
Self-Management Cycle Ongoing process of monitoring, adapting lifestyle/medications, and reassessing control.
Innovations in Diabetes Care Technology and research improving outcomes New medications, devices, and digital tools Patient-centered, personalized approaches
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Provides real-time glucose trends Reduces hypoglycemia risk Improves HbA1c control Increasingly accessible for Type 1 and Type 2 patients
Insulin Pumps & Closed-Loop Systems Insulin pumps deliver continuous basal insulin Closed-loop (artificial pancreas) automates insulin delivery Improves control and quality of life Still costly but adoption growing
New Drug Classes SGLT2 inhibitors: renal and CV benefits GLP-1 receptor agonists: weight loss and CV protection Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists under research Precision medicine tailoring drugs to patient profile
Digital Health & Apps Mobile apps for monitoring and reminders Telemedicine improves access Wearables track activity, glucose, heart rate Empower patients for self-care
Future Directions Stem cell therapy for beta-cell regeneration Advances in islet transplantation Gene editing potential for Type 1 diabetes Artificial intelligence for predictive care
Summary of Key Points Diabetes requires lifelong care and monitoring Lifestyle + pharmacological management crucial Preventing complications saves lives and costs Education and empowerment improve adherence Technology and innovation are transforming care
Key Takeaways Individualize care for each patient Integrate lifestyle, medication, and monitoring Screen and prevent acute/chronic complications Leverage new technology for better outcomes Support patients with education and empathy
Closing Thoughts Diabetes care is a team effort Healthcare providers, patients, and families must collaborate Goal: longer, healthier, and complication-free life for people with diabetes