ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the health-promoting practices of young black women at risk for type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 black women from an urban area who had a history of gestational diabetes and/or a first-degree relative with diabetes. Participants completed the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Survey and an interview. Both were used to categorize health-promoting practices, exercise, diet, knowledge of diabetes prevention, and general health. RESULTS: Demographic information and interview revealed a propensity towards obesity, despite education and income levels. The results for the Lifestyle II Survey showed a higher average total score for healthy nutrition than physical activity, which were inconsistent with the qualitative data obtained by interview. Fifty percent stated that they exercised as a general health-promoting behavior. Self-reported daily caloric, fiber, and fat intake was high to moderate; 60% reported initiating diet modifications secondary to a desire to lose weight or for medical problems; and 26% reported receiving information on diabetes prevention from a healthcare provider. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach of planning and actively incorporating health-promoting activities into one's lifestyle as a young adult may protect or delay the onset of diabetes and prevent complications.
Subject(s)
Black or African American/education , Black or African American/psychology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control , Health Behavior/ethnology , Health Promotion/methods , Women/education , Women/psychology , Adult , Connecticut , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Needs Assessment , Risk Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
THE DIABETES RESEARCH and Training Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in collaboration with Yale University School of Nursing, initiated a project to develop and implement a concentration of study at the Master's level within the field of diabetes. The concentration has resulted in involvement of advanced practice nurses in management and care of individuals with diabetes. In the article, an epidemiological perspective in diabetes care is given, along with information on how the program developed and evolved over the past 5 years. Program graduates have become certified diabetes educators and completed a Master's thesis in the area of diabetes care, resulting in practice-oriented publications.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/nursing , Education, Nursing, Graduate/organization & administration , Nurse Clinicians/education , Nurse Practitioners/education , Certification , Curriculum , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine to what extent nurse practitioner (NP) practice patterns of diabetes care are consistent with standards of care suggested by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted to examine practice patterns. A convenience sample of 78 charts was audited, representing a proportionate number of charts for each of the six masters-prepared, certified NPs employed in an ambulatory primary-care center. RESULTS: Practice patterns related to diabetes care revealed a discrepancy between established standards of care and the degree to which care was documented. All six NPs acknowledged that they became clinically competent to care for patients with diabetes on the job. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this small study suggest that NPs are not consistently following standards of care suggested by the ADA.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/nursing , Nurse Practitioners , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Blood Glucose/analysis , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/nursing , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/nursing , Diabetic Foot/prevention & control , Diet, Diabetic , Female , Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Quality Assurance, Health Care , United States , Voluntary Health AgenciesABSTRACT
The 1976-1980 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that an estimated 34 million adults (26%) between the ages of 20 and 75 are obese. The health implications of obesity are well known and contribute to the increased morbidity and early mortality in those who are affected. As a result, obesity has become a public health concern that has been targeted as a national health objective in Healthy People 2000. The overall health objective, related to the problem of overweight in adults, is to reduce the prevalence from 26% to < 20%.
Subject(s)
Nurse Practitioners , Nursing Assessment , Obesity/prevention & control , Primary Health Care/methods , Adult , Aged , Body Weight , Female , Health Priorities , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/epidemiology , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) occurs predominantly in adults, especially in those individuals over age 30. This disease was formerly called maturity-onset or adult-onset diabetes. A subclass of NIDDM was devised, however, for those families in which children, adolescents, or young adults develop what is referred to as maturity-onset diabetes of the young. This article reviews issues related to treatment modalities for those with type II NIDDM, including dietary management, physical activity, and pharmacologic therapy.
