Topic 7 DQ 2
The United States is a developed continent, but recently, it has had many cases of children with diabetes. According to current statistics, there is a remarkable increase in the number of children who are diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We also have others who are living with the condition but are undiagnosed. In this community, the health-related need that is present is an education program that will educate children and their parents on cutting sugar-sweetened beverages which are believed to expose children to factors contributing to diabetes. The sugar-sweetened beverages and lack of physical exercise expose children to obesity which is the key cause of diabetes type 1 and type 2. Modification of lifestyle should be done so that children can be made more active and advised to exercise regularly so that there is increased uptake of insulin to reduce any form of diabetes.
The methodology of the health improvement program that will be used to solve the problem of childhood diabetes is an education program that will be directed mostly to parents and children while in school. The program will advise parents on the best parenting practices that will protect children from contracting diabetes. It will also guide them on early signs to diagnose a child with diabetes so that treatment can be initiated early for the best outcome. It is assumed that when diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be easily managed unlike when it is known at later stages. The program will be fully implemented within six months after which the program outcome will be evaluated.
APNs who work in the community require partnering with health care policy makers so that they can devise policies for controlling diabetes in that community. These may include creating more local playgrounds for children to exercise and supporting any program about the health of children in that community.