Reference no: EM133156827

Case Study: Donna's Diabetes

For the past 2 or 3 years, Donna has always had fasting blood sugar levels in the 100-120 mg/dL range. When she presents in your clinic however, her fasting blood sugar is 137 and her hemoglobin A1c is 8.3%. Donna is 58 years old, does not have a history of diabetes, is 5'4" and weighs 165# and she is on medication for hypertension. She says she has tried to lose weight many times in the past and often has success, but she always gains it back. She reports that she eats a "fairly healthy" diet but just loves to bake and often indulges in sweets. She does not know much about diabetes, except that it requires you to give yourself shots-and she hates needles, saying "Don't expect me to give myself a shot!" Donna's 24-hr recall includes:

• Breakfast: English muffin with 2 t. butter, 1 slice American cheese, 1 Jimmy Dean sausage patty, 20 oz. water
• Snack: 1 large (4x4") brownie
• Lunch: chicken salad sandwich on 2 slices wheat bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, 1 oz. BBQ chips, 12 oz. orange soda
• Dinner: Lean Cuisine Alfredo Pasta with Chicken & Broccoli, 16 oz. sweet tea
• Snack: 2 c. chocolate Haagen-Dazs ice cream

Describe your patient's health status and/or condition and their diet.  What clinical data are used to assess and diagnose or observe this condition? What are the nutritional considerations for this patient and how does their diet impact the progression of their disease or experience? How common is this disease or situation and what are the different approaches to treatment or health promotion? What are the food groups and nutrients of interest for this patient and why? Where can you find these nutrients in food? Are there certain aspects of this patient's diet that are concerning to you?