Overview Of Hypoglycaemia In Type 1 Diabetes

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For the purpose of this essay, this author will discuss the clinical issue of hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes. This essay will use The Biopsychosocial Model of Health and Illness. This model incorporates both physiological issues and psychological issues into one model (Engle, 1977). The Biopsychosocial Model determines that health and well-being are caused by the integration of biological, psychological and sociological factors. This model will be used to address both the physiological and psychological dimensions of hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus, type one and type two. This essay will discuss hypoglycaemia in type 1. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is defined as an inadequate production of insulin by the pancreatic beta cells (Martini F, 2012). A person with type 1 diabetes needs insulin to survive. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels carefully in order to prevent hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. This essay will focus on hypoglycaemia.
The Diabetes Ireland Federation defines hypoglycaemia as a low blood glucose level (below 4mmols). The normal reaction in a patient who doesn’t have any type of diabetes mellitus against hypoglycaemia is a decrease in insulin and an increase in glucagon. However this natural reaction is lost in a patient with diabetes due to the beta cell failure in the pancreas (Cryer, P, 2010).
The possible causes of hypoglycaemia are missed meals, increased amounts of exercise or malfunctioning in the clearance of insulin (renal function). Insulin errors can also be a cause of hypoglycaemia; too much, too little, taken at the wrong time, or the wrong type of insulin taken (Van den Berghe, G, 2008).
As blood glucose levels in a type one diabetic patien...

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...n the person’s anxiety. The clinical interventions that can be taken are cognitive behavioural therapy and medication (HSE, 2014).
The Biopscyhosocial Model ensures the nurse has the ability to detect signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. In using this model, the nurse can deliver holistic care and ensure all her patient’s physical and psychological needs are cared for.
In conclusion, this essay discussed both the physiological and psychological dimensions of the clinical issue of hypoglycaemia in a type 1 diabetic. The use of The Biopscychosocial Model enables the nurse to utilize not only her physiological knowledge but also her psychological knowledge in order to assess and treat the patient. This essay highlights the importance of using an integrated approach of caring for your patient not only on a physiological level but also on a psychological level.

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