Analysis of Nursing Care in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Through the Provision of Diabetes Self-Management Education
Abstract
Introduction: Elderly patients with Diabetes Mellitus often experience impaired blood glucose regulation due to decreased insulin sensitivity, changes in body composition, and declining pancreatic function. One of the most common nursing problems is unstable blood glucose levels, which are influenced by non-adherence to therapy, uncontrolled dietary patterns, physical activity that is not adjusted to the patient’s abilities, and a lack of understanding regarding the disease and its treatment. The purpose of this study is to analyze nursing care for unstable blood glucose levels in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus through self-management education.
Method: The management of unstable blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus was carried out through the provision of diabetes self-management education for 45 minutes, once every three days during home visits, in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The sample in this scientific paper consisted of elderly patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus who experienced unstable blood glucose levels.
Results: After the intervention was carried out during 3 home visits, the problem of unstable blood glucose levels with blood sugar levels gradually improved, with the results of client 1 being 178 mg/dl, the results of client 2 being 201 mg/dl and the results of client 3 being 185 mg/dl. It is hoped that the UPTD Puskesmas I of the South Denpasar District Health Office can implement this education as an intervention in nursing care for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus with nursing problems of unstable blood glucose levels.
Conclusion: The characteristics of the three primary managed patients were elderly individuals (>59 years old), both male and female, with a history of Type II Diabetes Mellitus for more than five years, and with main problems including lack of knowledge and skills in diabetes management. The nursing evaluation demonstrated an improvement in knowledge and behavioral changes among all three patients regarding diabetes management, as well as a reduction in blood glucose levels. Therefore, the problem of unstable blood glucose levels in all three patients showed gradual improvement.
