American Diabetes Association

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), uncontrolled levels of blood glucose remains the basic problem in patients with diabetes (ADA 2014). To prevent complication such as neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular diseases, visual impairment, lower extremity diseases, and amputations, ADA has recommended having proper glycemic control, physical activity, medication, patient self-monitoring of blood glucose (Arlington, 2017). However, studies by Arlington (2017) shows that if self-care activities are insufficient, hyperglycemia occurs, and patients are prone to diabetic complications.

My institution, Overlake Hospital has a multidisciplinary diabetes inpatient team that include, endocrinologists, diabetes specialist podiatrist, nurses, wound care specialist, dietitian and social workers. Often patients expressed their concern and fear over not being able to self-manage their condition. Lack of knowledge on how to treat, lack of understanding of proper food choices, exercise regimen and overwhelming burden of this chronic disease causes depression.

Our interdisciplinary team focuses on care for each and every individuals complex need and educate, train and support them so that they feel confident in managing their own when they discharge home. While patients are in our care, it is our responsibility to look into holistic components that these patients and help meet their need. As a mother of Type I diabetic, a nurse and a diabetic educator(volunteer) diabetes education interests me the most. For this reason, I have chosen to research on nursing theories that help guide individuals diagnosed with DM who seeks medical attention.

Through my experience, I have seen that compliance with diabetes care is the biggest issue among individuals. Many theories provide guidance for nurses on how to support these patients. This paper will demonstrate King's theory of goal attainment that can be applied to the care of the adult with DM and Dorothy Orems self-care model to improve the quality of life with these individuals. Our unit focuses on Kings theory of goal attainment. However, in my opinion, Dorothy Orems self-care model will also be equally beneficial for these individuals. This paper will explain more about these theories.

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