Diabetes Mellitus ( DM) Nursing Cheat Sheet

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. A leading cause of death in North America, diabetes is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, renal failure, and peripheral vascular disease. It’s also the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Diabetes Mellitus ( DM) is a permanent disorder of food metabolism where the amount of insulin required by the body and amount of insulin produced by the body is inconsistent leading to blood glucose level elevation.

What causes of Diabetes Mellitus ( DM

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease strongly associated with human leukocyte antigens DR 3 and 4. It may also be associated with certain viral infections.

Type 2 may result from:

• impaired insulin secretion

• peripheral insulin resistance

• increased basal hepatic glucose production.

Other associated factors include:

• obesity

• insulin antagonists (such as excess counter-regulatory hormones and phenytoin)

• hormonal contraceptives

• pregnancy.