A Descriptive Study of South Dakota Nurse Practitioner Management of Clients with Type II Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes is a complex multifaceted disease process which can have devastating consequences. Type II diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes is the most common form of diabetes accounting for about 80% of patients with abnormal glucose metabolism (Keavey, et al., 993) with approximately 5000 new cases of Type II diabetes diagnosed each year (Andreoli, 1993). Because of its complex and the devastating nature of diabetes it is imperative that diabetes be diagnosed and treated properly and aggressively. By following research based standardized protocols one can rest assured one is giving the client with Type II diabetes the best possible care. This study described how Nurse Practitioners (NP) in the state of South Dakota (SD) care for clients with Type II diabetes. Subjects were 43 NPs who work with clients with Type II diabetes. The conceptual framework reflected a synthesis of the literature and demonstrates the relationship between NP management of clients with Type II diabetes and the use of practice guidelines and/or use of Staged Diabetes Management (SDM) as a clinical guideline. Use of practice guidelines guide NP practice of clients with Type II diabetes and can create more euglycemic blood levels. Results indicate that NPs are using some sort of practice guideline in caring for clients with Type II diabetes. Twenty-seven (58.1 percent) SD NPs reported that they used ADA guidelines and twenty-five individuals (58.1 percent) reported they used SDM to care for clients with Type II diabetes. The findings indicate that SD NPs are using a research based standard on which to base their care of the client with Type II diabetes. Consistent research based care will lend credibility and autonomy for NPs (Mahoney, 1992). Research based care and early intervention will enhance the lives of clients with Type II diabetes allowing them to live more productive lives. This paper includes the description of the study and study findings. Implications for the NP and recommendations for further study are also made