Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Case Study
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Case Study
1. What are the standard diagnostic criteria for T2DM? Which are
found in Mitchs medical record?
Mitch has done a poor job controlling his diabetes. This led to an episode in
which he had very high levels of glucose in his blood. When blood glucose
levels are too high, the kidneys correct this by excreting the extra glucose
through the urine. The pt. was also dehydrated, which causes the kidneys to
not function properly reducing their ability to excrete the extra glucose. The
high levels of glucose create hyperosmolarity, which in turn creates more
dehydration by pulling water from other parts of the body.
The normal saline solution with potassium will help hydrate and replenish the
pts. electrolytes. Potassium is added because insulin can cause an
intracellular shift in potassium. The insulin drip is used in order to stabilize
blood glucose levels.
9. Describe the insulin therapy that was started for Mitch. What is
Lispro? What is glargine? How likely is it that Mitch will need to
continue insulin therapy?
The insulin therapy plan started for the pt. was 0.5 u injections of Lispro until
blood glucose is 150-200mg/dL. Then proceed to an injection of Glargine at
19 u at nighttime to help stabilize blood glucose levels during the night.
Lispro injections will then be given at a normal rate of 1:15. Lispro is an
insulin that acts within 5-15 minutes after injection, peak is 30-90 minutes
with a duration of 3 to 5 hours. This rapid insulin is good for the pt. because
he has very elevated levels of glucose in his blood. Glargine is an extended
longer-lasting insulin. This type of insulin has no peak and a duration of 20-
24 hours. The pt. will most likely need to continue insulin therapy because he
has not been able to control his diabetes/blood glucose up to that point.
10. Mitch was NPO when admitted to the hospital. What does this
mean? What are the signs that will alert the RD and physicians that
Mitch may be ready to eat?
NPO means nothing by mouth (or Nil per os-I learned some Latin!). Some
signs that show the pt. will be ready to eat are glucose levels returning to
normal and his fluid levels stabilizing. Since the pt. had excessive vomiting,
food should be administered as tolerated.
11. Outline the basic principles for Mitchs nutrition therapy to assist
in control of his DM.
12. Assess Mitchs weight and BMI. What would be a healthy weight
range for Mitch?
pH-5-Low, ketones in blood lower blood pH. If ketones are present, then DKA
is suspected.
Protein-10mg/dL-High due to dehydration. No follow-lab values to compare
to.
Glucose-Positive due to diabetes and high levels of glucose in the blood, the
kidneys are trying to excrete the extra through the urine. No follow-lab
values to compare to.
*Skin turgor was reported as poor upon admission, but also reported as
good by the nursing assessment. This is most likely due to an error either
in reporting, or assessment.
16. Determine Mitchs initial CHO prescription using his diet history
as well as your assessment of his energy requirements.
This could be broken up into 4 exchanges for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
and 3 exchanges for 2 snacks during the day. If the pt. really wants to stick to
4 meals per day (as his history shows he usually eats in this pattern), a
sample breakdown could be 5 exchanges for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
and 5 exchanges for a snack (basically 4 even CHO containing meals).
17. Identify two initial nutrition goals to assist with weight loss.