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The Role of Nursing, Laboratory Monitoring, and Physiotherapy in Managing Diabetes Type-I-Related Complications

Year: 2024

Type: article

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.

Source: Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health

DOI: 10.64483/jmph-90