Assignment: Describe the use of the simulation method to teach a group of people with
Type 1 diabetes how to manage a sick day.
In APA Format.
References/Sources no later than five years old.
Type 1 Diabetes Managing a Sick Day
Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) is also known as the Diabetes mellitus type 1. The disease
was formerly referred as the juvenile diabetes or the insulin dependent diabetes. It has been
noted that type 1 diabetes originates from autoimmune destruction of the beta cells which are
responsible for the production of insulin in the pancreas; limited insulin in the human body
results to increased urine and blood glucose (Rubin, 2008). Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
identifies with polyphagia symbolizing increased hunger, polyuria symbolizing frequent
urination, polydipsia symbolizing increased thirst and loss of weight. Management of type 1
diabetes is administering via supplemental insulin through injection, using insulin pumps or
though transplantation of the target organs.
Sick day management of the disease can present a challenge, it has been noted that
managing the blood sugar is characterized with a commitment (Sick Day Management for
Type 1 Diabetes, 2011). Issues of vomiting, nausea, changing eating habits and illnesses will
influence the composition of the blood sugar levels. It is important for the patients to know
the best models of dealing with type 1 diabetes in times of sicknesses (Rubin, 2008). It is
worth noting that patients of type 1 diabetes should never omit taking insulin and should
strictly follow a sick day plan (Sick Day Management for Type 1 Diabetes, 2011).
Simulation method is used in monitoring and testing the control strategies for type 1
diabetes. It has been noted that simulation environment targets the population, the simulator,
TYPE 1 DIABETES MANAGING A SICK DAY 2
insulin delivery, treatment scenarios and the outcome measures expected (Sick Day
Management for Type 1 Diabetes, 2011). Simulation method is critical in defining closed
loop and open loop control and the treatments of the type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes patients are requested to keep in touch with the physicians while
taking other medications. It has been noted that some of the medications are not fit if the
patient is vomiting or dehydrated. Some of the illnesses such as fever and infections have the
tendency of increasing the blood sugars in the human body. Decreased diarrhea, appetite and
appetite have the tendency of decreasing the blood sugars in the human body.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common condition if the patients fail to address the
blood sugars in his or her body (Sick Day Management for Type 1 Diabetes, 2011). Physical
activities are highly discouraged basing on probabilities of increasing ketone levels and blood
sugars. Patients on type 1 diabetes are encouraged to keep themselves aware with the current
flu shots and immunizations, wash hands regularly, avoid people coughing and taking rests
(Rubin, 2008).
Sick day kit and a sick day plan is part of the simulation method. It has been noted
that the kit should regularly be checked in making sure that the contents are up to date. Sick
day plan is initiated when the patient of the type 1 diabetes is not feeling well, when the
blood sugar is more than 14 mmol/L in the last six hours and when there are large quantities
of ketones in the urine or blood (Sick Day Management for Type 1 Diabetes, 2011).
The word SICK is applied in symbolizing checking for the blood Sugar; continue
taking Insulin; keep taking normal amounts of Carbohydrate and regularly checking for urine
or blood Ketones (Sick Day Management for Type 1 Diabetes, 2011). It is argued that sick
day adjustments of insulin are a normal phenomenon. Sick people with type 1 diabetes may
need to increase short or rapid insulin doses to act on the prevailing condition, or at times it
forces the patient to take extra injections in eliminating ketones by lowering the high blood
TYPE 1 DIABETES MANAGING A SICK DAY 3
sugars. It is always important consulting a medical practitioner in making sure that the patient
is on the safe side (Rubin, 2008).
References
Rubin, A. L. (2008). Type 1 Diabetes For Dummies. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.
Sick Day Management for Type 1 Diabetes. (2011). Diabetes Education & Resources
Working Group , 1-8.