Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Hall, David

Committee Member

Burns, Lauren

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by either a lack of insulin or an insulin sensitivity in the body resulting in an increased blood glucose level. Diabetes can be broken up into two types: type one and type two. Type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in a complete lack of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia. On the contrary, type two diabetes is a condition specified by an acquired sensitivity to insulin over time also resulting in hyperglycemia. There is no cure, but those with diabetes require treatment in order to manage their disease. The style of treatment is different between type one and type two diabetes, and even further, diabetics will have an individualized mode of managing their diabetes to best suit their lifestyle. Since type one diabetics are completely dependent upon insulin therapy to live, preexisting treatment methods and furthering research is imperative. There are new and emerging technologies and devices to aid diabetics in better managing their disease. This results in tighter glucose control, thus reducing the risk of complications from poorly controlled diabetes. For example, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy can result from constant hyperglycemia in the body. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to make available the methods of treatment needed for diabetics in order to maintain their health.

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to analyze and compile literature about the advancements made and subsequent research for new methods of diabetes management. When speaking on behalf of the nursing profession, it is important for nurses to be aware of diabetes management methods so that they are well suited to provide the appropriate care to diabetic patients in the healthcare setting.

Methods: An expanded literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed. A combination of search terms was used and yielded 158 results. Of those within the last year (2024-2025), 22 journal articles were selected.

Results: Across the various literature sources utilized, studies and findings about advancements in type one diabetes management are found. These advancements show a positive impact on the health of people living with type one diabetes.

Conclusions: Overall findings suggest that type one diabetics have several methods to manage their disease that can best fit their personal health and lifestyle choices. With new and emerging technologies and further research, it can be expected that the realm of diabetes management will grow, thus benefiting those with the disease. This, in turn, impacts the nursing profession in that nurses’ roles and responsibilities of caring for diabetic patients are altered to adapt to these new technologies. This includes becoming proficient in using these new diabetic tools, interpreting data and trends to assist in treatment, and providing patient education to ensure diabetic health amongst patients.

Keywords

type one diabetes; glucose control methods; insulin administration technologies; artificial pancreas; stem cell immunotherapy; role of nursing profession

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