The Role of Nursing, Laboratory Monitoring, and Physiotherapy in Managing Diabetes Type-I-Related Complications
Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder marked by β-cell destruction and absolute insulin deficiency. Morbidity arises from acute events (hypoglycemia, DKA) and chronic micro-/macrovascular complications. Optimal outcomes require interprofessional care integrating nursing, clinical pathology, and physiotherapy alongside insulin therapy and diabetes technologies.
Aim: To synthesize contemporary evidence and practice recommendations on how nursing, laboratory monitoring, and physiotherapy jointly mitigate T1D complications across the disease continuum.
Methods: Narrative critical review of clinical domains outlined in the article—epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, treatment/technology, hypoglycemia prevention, and team-based models—mapped to discipline-specific roles (nursing, clinical pathology, physiotherapy). Core processes (screening, CGM integration, education, exercise prescription) were aligned with outcome targets (HbA1c, time-in-range, complication surveillance).
Results: Nursing-led education, triage, and adherence support reduced acute decompensation, improved device uptake, and strengthened self-management. Clinical pathologists ensured diagnostic accuracy (autoantibodies, OGTT/HbA1c standardization, C-peptide), longitudinal risk stratification, and complication screening (lipid profile, UACR, thyroid/celiac panels). Physiotherapy optimized insulin sensitivity, functional capacity, and fall risk through individualized exercise and neuropathy-aware gait/foot-care programs.
Conclusion: Complication reduction in T1D depends on coordinated insulin replacement, continuous glucose data, structured education, and targeted rehabilitation—operationalized by nurses, pathologists, and physiotherapists within a shared-care framework.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Hisham Yahya Alghamdi, Yasamiyan Luayban Ramadan Alanazi, Ali Ahmad Ali Bin Hudayb, Daleela Mahna Al Mutairi, Mona Aaid Alanzi, Fatima Abdo Hadi Shaabi, Huda Abdulhakeem Almarghalani, Hazah Mouhmmad Alrifae Albayre, Abeer Atallah Alenazi, Eshraq Awad Aljohany, Reem Mutlaq Alanzi, Zahi Foriaan Alanzi
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