Type II Diabetes Mellitus
After reading the NINR document, there is the functional aspect of supporting research, which would form the basis or rather the foundation of clinical practice. NINR plays an important role in promoting the health and overall wellbeing of individuals, communities, and families across the lifespan. Under this realization, the theme category from the website that would form my research proposal would be Wellness: Promoting Health and Preventing Illness.
Background of the Problem and Relevance to Nursing
Health promotion and disease prevention underscore the need for keeping people in a population healthy. The programs aim at engaging and empowering the individuals and their respective communities in choosing healthy behaviors. The approach extends to include the reduction in the incidence rates of chronic diseases and their associated morbidities. Health promotion empowers individuals and communities to attain better control of their health. Disease prevention involves key efforts aimed at reducing both the development and severity of long-term illness. Wellness is the outcome arising from health promotion and disease prevention.
Health promotion and disease prevention have an influential role in nursing since the programs or research outcomes address the social determinants of health. The social determinants of health have a direct impact on modifiable risk behaviors. Using the practice of health promotion and disease prevention, nurses can provide information on how the clients can manage and achieve control of their health. Equipping the patient with this information is advantageous since they have better control of their lives and health.
Rationale
The rationale of this choice entails coming up with positive outcomes for all the individuals by mitigating the burden of disease. The research outcomes in this theme would look at self-management of conditions such as heart diseases and diabetes. Success in the research can be evaluated through the change of behavior among the target population. Health promotion and disease prevention require a thorough understanding and exploration of behavior at multiple stages and levels in society.
Problem Statement and Research Question
The prevalence of Type II Diabetes Mellitus is on the rise globally. Type II Diabetes mellitus, as a chronic disease, contributes to complications such as neuropathy, strokes, kidney failure, heart disease, amputations, among others. Compelling evidence from research indicates that lifestyle modifications/education can play an integral role in minimizing the risk of diabetes. Despite the advances in treatments, Type II Diabetes Mellitus and the associated complications can be prevented or even delayed by modifying the risk factors. Persons living with diabetes need empowerment on some of the approaches that lower the risk of disease progression. Good health practices and access to professional support would be critical in lessening the burden of disease and mortality rates associated with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.
Research Question
What are the effect of a healthy diet (with low glycemic index) and modest physical activity play on controlling the blood sugar levels among Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients?
Research Variables
The research variables in this question can be categorized as dependent and independent. The dependent variable is the outcome of health promotion activity. Attaining the glycemic control would thus form the dependent variable. The independent variables come in the context of health modifying activities (nutritional support and modest physical activity).
Significance of the problem to Nursing
Nursing as a profession is important in boosting confidence among patients with chronic conditions. Type II Diabetes Mellitus is associated with high mortality rates. Nevertheless, the condition has been associated with complications that threaten the quality of life and patients’ ability to attain self-sustenance. Apart from the biomedical interventions, nurses can educate the patients on proper nutrition and moderate physical activities as the principle self-care behaviors since the condition is lifestyle dependent. Type II Diabetes Mellitus treatment’s main outcome involves the normalization of insulin activity and controlling blood glucose levels to reduce the complications associated with the condition. Nurses have a role in educating the patient about self-care approach related to a nutritional diet and engaging in appropriate physical activities that would aid in glycemic control.