Diabetes-associated cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is an underdiagnosed cardiovascular complication associated with diabetes. NPs are in a pivotal position to screen patients for CAN. As the incidence of diabetes increases in an aging population, NPs can help prevent complications associated with diabetes and CAN.

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy resulting in sexual dysfunction.

Although diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), a complication associated with diabetes, is increasing in prevalence, it is often overlooked. Knowledge regarding the development and progression of this complication is limited. NPs are in a key position to prevent complications of DAN, including sexual dysfunction, in this vulnerable population.

Periodontal disease in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Collaborative efforts between health team members can advance early detection of children with elevated blood glucose levels, preventing hyperglycemia and periodontal diseases. Rates of obesity are increasing in children, impacting the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases. Collaborative care between nurse practitioners and dental hygienists can detect, prevent, and treat periodontal disease in children.

The diabetes disease state management exemplar.

One relatively new method of providing care to patients with chronic disease is disease state management (DSM). Diabetes is particularly interesting to study because it is not only one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, but it is also a disease for which DSM is highly cost effective. Similarly, registered nurses represent the group of practitioners most likely to provide a comprehensive set of DSM activities.