A six-week community wellness programme was conducted to promote weight loss and reduce obesity. Participants’ weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, and finger-stick glucose were measured before and after the programme which included exercise, nutrition and diabetes prevention sessions. Initially, 189 men and women enrolled; 74 participants were included in the post-intervention data collection. Statistically significant results (p <0.001) indicated that women reduced weight (mean 3.31% ± 0.02%) and decreased waist circumference by 1.91552% ± 2.14454 inches. Men reduced weight significantly (mean 6.5% ± 0.44%) and decreased waist circumference (mean 3.14063 ± 3.04118 inches) (p<.001).
Jenny Manry, DNP, FNP, APRN-BC, Assistant Professor, Fort Hays State University
Jane Peterson, PhD, APRN, FAANP, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Missouri Kansas City
Article accepted for publication: February 2013
This articles looks at the dietary advice that should be provided for people with type 1 diabetes. As well as focusing on healthy eating generally, blood sugar control can be optimised if both the type and amount of carbohydrate is considered. Low glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrates, where glucose is released slowly into the blood stream, may help to lower the individual’s glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (HbA1c is a form of haemoglobin that is measured to identify the average plasma glucose concentration over a prolonged time period). Carbohydrate (‘carb’) counting should be considered as it can improve glycaemic control and promote independence in regard to food choice and management of the condition. Gestational diabetes (that which develops during pregnancy) is also considered, as this can affect birth outcome, the baby’s future health and the health of the mother after the birth.
In each issue of the Journal of Community Nursing we investigate a hot topic currently affecting our readers. In this issue, as we face an obesity epidemic and growing lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, JCN takes a look at the community nurses’ role in health prevention and asks the question...
The epidemic of diabetes mellitus affects all populations in both the developed and developing world. However, the distribution of prevalence is not uniform to all populations and societies; prevalence is much higher in certain distinct groups. This paper presents an overview of current issues in the aetiology and management of diabetes mellitus in people within the South Asian community. It also discusses current policy, service initiatives and education approaches, specific to improving the quality of life and health outcomes.
Phil Holdich RGN, D.N. Cert, BSc, MSc, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Honorary Diabetes Specialist Nurse, University of Huddersfield and Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust
Warren Gillibrand RGN, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, University of Huddersfield
Carl Covill MSc, PGCE, Bsc Hons, Specialist community practioner, RN, QN professional qualifications is a Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, University of Huddersfield
Article accepted for publication: April 2012
Whilst the risk of foot lesions and infection in people with diabetes is well documented and widely researched, fungal infections of the foot are common yet less often reported in the literature. Therefore, the importance of foot health and assessment cannot be underestimated. Knowledge of the main types of fungal infections, why they occur and how to treat them is useful for prevention and management strategies for community nurses who support people with diabetes. This article outlines the key issues surrounding fungal infections in patients with diabetes, and presents an introduction to prevention and management strategies.
Peter Roberts BSc(Hons) MSc, FHEA, Senior Lecturer, Division of Podiatry and Clinical Sciences, University of Huddersfield.
Phil Holdich, MSc Health Professional Eductions, BSc (Hons) Healthcare studies, Professional Dimploma in Diabetes care, NDN, RGN. Senior Lecturer, Division of Podiatry and Clinical Sciences, University of Huddersfield.
Article accepted for publication: November 2011
Lesley Adcock investigates whether effective education can help prevent foot problems in diabetic patients.
Rosemary Pudner describes the special care needed when dealing with diabetic patients with foot ulceration.
