Diabetes: Nursing Management Seminar

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9:00am - Commencement of Day Two

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9:00am

Diabetes Medication Update: Oral and Injectable Medicines

This session considers medications used in diabetes management. It looks at when and how they are used, including in older adults, and how they may assist with diet and exercise to help our patients achieve better blood glucose levels. For many people, the use of additional oral agents may not achieve ideal glycemic control. In such cases, injectable medicines may be required. This session will review the latest evidence in relation to treatment options and the different devices utilised for the administration of injectable medications. It includes:

Oral Medications

• When should the initiation of these medications be considered?
• What are the different modes of actions?
• What are the recommended dosages and contraindications?
• What side effects and interactions should nurses be aware of?

Injectable Medications

• What is available for the treatment of diabetes?
• When should these medications be considered?
• What side effects and interactions must nurses be aware of?
• What are the common regimens and how are these implemented?
• What is the correct technique for injecting insulin?
• How can optimal timing be achieved?
• What issues can arise for patients?
• How is the effectiveness of treatment evaluated?

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10:30am - Morning Tea and Coffee

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11:00am

Diabetes and Other Related Health Problems

There is a range of cardiovascular, microvascular, and macrovascular issues that can result from diabetes. This session explores some of the more common types of complications associated with diabetes, plus diabetes-related complications that may not have previously been apparent, and the nursing role in their identification and prevention.

• What happens to the body at micro, neurological, and vascular levels – the implications
• Eye conditions relating to diabetes
• Renal-related issues and lesser-known complications
• Team approaches to care

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12:00pm

Foot Care for the Person with Diabetes

People with diabetes are particularly prone to problems with their feet caused by a range of complex physiological changes that occur as a result of the disease. Strategies for promotion of the healing process will be examined. This will include a practical session using a monofilament and interactive case studies. Discuss:

• When a patient has diabetes, what pathophysiological changes can be expected in the lower limbs?
• What are the Guidelines for assessing, managing, and monitoring a person's diabetic foot?
• Why does diabetes trigger intractable problems such as peripheral neuropathy and what are the signs and symptoms?
• Why do wounds, such as leg ulcers, heal at a different rate to those of people without diabetes?
• What is the role of the podiatrist and other relevant team members?

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12:30pm - Lunch Break and Networking

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1:30pm

Motivational Challenges: Addressing Emotional Needs

Psychosocial issues can impact significantly on the ability of people to comply or adhere to their treatment regimens. When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, they are often required to make significant changes to their lifestyle. We will examine the implications for the patient, as well as the nurse, when compliance is an issue – with a focus on moving to wellness. Explore:

• Strategies for changing behaviours or managing issues where people may resist treatment, have poor motivation, or repeatedly revert to unhelpful routines and habits
• How to work together to identify issues that would benefit from a goal-focused approach for a person with diabetes and how to set realistic and achievable goals
• How to encourage people with diabetes to have their annual comprehensive health review and check-up
• Access to diabetes treatments and resources

Techniques included in this session can also be used in your daily life to achieve your own personal health goals!

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2:15pm

Insulin and Legal Implications

Insulin is one of the most likely drugs to be implicated in a lethal medicine error. This session will focus on the prevention of nursing errors. It includes:

• What are the current risks of insulin administration and what are the legal implications for nurses?
• Which laws govern insulin administration?
• What are the implications for health facilities?
• Is your current nursing practice in relation to the administration of insulin safe and legal?

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2:45pm - Afternoon Tea and Coffee

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3:15pm

What Help is out There?

This session will help you to facilitate a person with diabetes to access information, services, and subsidised resources. It looks at:

• Types of services, organisations, and other resources that are available, and how to access them
• Connecting with acute care, private, and community services to ensure people with diabetes are moving through the various systems and to prevent duplication of services
• When to refer your patient and to whom
• Communication between healthcare providers

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3:45pm

Case Studies and Clinical Reasoning

In this final session, you will be presented with case studies that highlight some of the key points that have been made over the past two days. This will assist you to understand how complex theoretical care can result in successful outcomes when put into practice.

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4:15pm - Close of Seminar and Evaluations