Research Paper: Diabetic Mellitus Type I in Geriatric Patient

Research Paper: Diabetic Mellitus Type I in Geriatric Patient
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Research Paper: Diabetic Mellitus Type I in Geriatric Patient
Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. This condition falls into two major categories: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with T2DM being more prevalent than T1DM. This classification is etiological and separates diabetes mellitus into two primary types, type 1 and type 2, with type 2 diabetes contributing more than 85% of the total diabetes mellitus prevalence (Forouhi & Wareham 2019) and T1DM represents only about 10% of the diabetes cases worldwide (Paschou et al.,2018).   In 2015, 9.4% of the U.S population had diabetes, and an estimated value of 415 million people worldwide had diabetes in the same year (Xu et al., 2018). The author postulated a projected rise to 642 million people by the year 2040. These findings are shared by Forouhi & Wareham (2019), who presented the estimates showing a global prevalence of 425 million people, with diabetes in 2017, which is predicted to increase to approximately 629 million people by 2045. This data is worrying considering the immense morbidity and mortality associated with a cascade of diabetes complications. Diabetes has often been associated with increased cardiovascular diseases, cancer, renal disorders, neuropathy, and retinopathies. Besides morbidity and mortality, diabetes is a burden to healthcare and economy systems. Xu et al. (2018) indicate the disease's economic burden at approximately $245bn (£174bn; €199bn) in the U.S by 2012 and about $1.31tn worldwide in 2015. Such a significant prevalence and a sharp rise of diabetes are attributable to the global increase in obesity prevalence and unhealthy behaviors encompassing poor diets and physical inactivity (Forouhi & Wareham 2019).  These contributing factors are modified by wider societal determinants, including changes in nutrition within the global context. Irrespective of the type of diabetes, the burden caused by diabetes is substantial not only to healthcare and quality of life but also causes the loss of economic resources. This paper will focus on T1DM in a geriatric patient.
Presenting Case
The client, James, is a 66 older adult who presented to the emergency clinic with a complaint of extreme fatigue, frequent hunger, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision. James reports that these complaints have persisted over three months and symptoms appear to worsen each time. He says an inability to recall events, persons, and where he has place items and inappropriate gait. He cited poor warning healing as a result of bruises and minor injuries and deteriorating hearing capacity. James also reported an incident in which he has fallen due to confusion increased incidence of urinary incontinence. The physician examined the patient. He appears sluggish, confused, and irritable. The physical finding showed dry feet, muscle atrophy, and small feet ulcerations. The past medical history reveals a history of being treated for hypertension and that he is on Lopressor HCT prescription. However, he does not have a...