Short-term complications of type 2 diabetes

This promotional module has been initiated, funded and reviewed by Boehringer Ingelheim. The content of this industry-supported learning activity has been generated by Practice Nurse.

INTRODUCTION

This module is intended to develop the general practice nurse’s understanding of the short-term complications of type 2 diabetes – ‘hypos and hypers’ – and their implications for morbidity and mortality.

The module covers:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): definition, diagnosis, causes and management
• Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS): definition, diagnosis, causes and management
• Hypoglycaemia (hypos): definition, diagnosis, causes and management
• Sick day rules

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On completion of this module, the general practice nurse will:

• Be familiar with the causes, signs, symptoms of DKA and HHS
• Be aware of the significance of DKA in undiagnosed patients, especially children
• Recognise that DKA and HHS are medical emergencies, which require urgent hospital admission for intensive management
• Be able to describe the symptoms of hypoglycaemic events, their immediate management, and the minimisation of hypo risk through appropriate prescribing
• Be able to offer appropriate advice on the prevention of these complications
• Be familiar with the sick day rules

This module is one of a series of five. Others in the series are:

• Targets for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
• Tailoring therapy to the individual patient
• Renal considerations in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular considerations in patients with type 2 diabetes

This resource is provided at an intermediate level. Read the article and answer the self-assessment questions, and reflect on what you have learned.

Complete the resource to obtain a certificate to include in your revalidation portfolio. You should record the time spent on this resource in your CPD log.

Job Code: PC-GB-102836

Date of preparation: February 2021