Constipation and Diabetes Mellitus are common health infections affecting individuals of different ages. Constipation is clinically considered to be a difficulty experienced during bowel movements. Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin malfunction (Faselis et al., 2020). Constipation and Diabetes Mellitus are medication conditions with different signs and symptoms.
Define constipation, its risk factors, and relevant recommendations for a patient
Constipation is a condition where individuals experience discomfort or difficulties in bowel movements. The risk factors that lead to constipation include dehydration, low fiber intake, lack of physical activities, side effects of medical drugs, and psychological factors such as stress (Daniali et al., 2020). For a patient suffering from constipation, I recommend regular exercise, a high intake of fluids, and foods with fiber. For a patient under medication, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor the side effects of the drugs.
Signs and symptoms compatible with constipation diagnosis
R.H. experiences constipation signs and symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of constipation, such as bloating, infrequent bowel movements, heartburn, and difficulties in bowel movements. Constipation also causes symptoms such as headaches resulting from straining during bowel movements. Other common signs include vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite (Daniali et al., 2020). Infrequent bowel movements also lead to abdominal pains common in patients experiencing constipation.
Constipation complications in association with anemia
Patients experiencing constipation are also likely to have anemia due to a decreased intake of iron due to loss of appetite. They are also likely to have iron deficiency due to reduced intake of fluids essential to blood functions (Mahadea et al., 2021). Iron in the body is also lost through excretion of bloody stools. Medication intake may affect the body’s normal functioning, such as producing nutrients such as iron, leading to anemic conditions.
Where Diabetes Mellitus is prevalent and C.B.’s experiencing symptoms related to Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is more prevalent among native Americans, ethnic and racial groups. The signs and symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) include increased urinary excretion, nerve numbness, and high blood pressure (Faselis et al., 2020). C.B.’s symptoms, such as numbness in the left foot, frequent urination, high blood pressure, and cholesterol level, are compatible signs of T2DM. However, loss in weight is a common symptom among patients with T2DM; women tend to increase in weight, especially after pregnancy, like in the case of C.B.
Glycemia values in case of bacterial pneumonia on the right lower lobe
The glycemia values for C.B. would be higher than 180 mg/dl in case of attack by bacterial pneumonia due to increased levels of blood glucose in the body. Doctors advocate that patients with T2DM should maintain a blood glucose level of 140 to 180 mg/dl (Chávez-Reyes et al., 2021). The blood glucose levels will likely rise due to increased stress in managing the infection. In case the blood glucose levels are not regulated, they result in complications such as difficulties in managing other infections.
The best initial therapy to be recommended to C.B.
The best initial therapy to be recommended to C.B. is insulin therapy. Insulin therapy offers the patient with diverse treatment options, such as medications and syringes, to suit her needs and preferences. Additionally, patient education is an integral part of the therapy, where C.B. will learn the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Chávez-Reyes et al., 2021). Regular checkups will help maintain her blood glucose levels and support her in managing other infections.
Summarily, the signs and symptoms of constipation include loss of appetite, headache, nausea, and bloody stools, while Diabetes Mellitus presents symptoms such as nerve numbness, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and frequent urination. Constipation can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising regularly. Insulin therapy is recommendable for patients with T2DM as they get medication and education on coping with the disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and eating healthy foods, is key in fighting infections.
References
Daniali, M., Nikfar, S., & Abdollahi, M. (2020). An overview of interventions for constipation in adults. Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology, 14(8), 721-732.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17474124.2020.1781617
Mahadea, D., Adamczewska, E., Ratajczak, A. E., Rychter, A. M., Zawada, A., Eder, P., … & Krela-Kaźmierczak, I. (2021). Iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel diseases—a narrative review. Nutrients, 13(11), 4008.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/4008
Faselis, C., Katsimardou, A., Imprialos, K., Deligkaris, P., Kallistratos, M., & Dimitriadis, K. (2020). Microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Current vascular pharmacology, 18(2), 117-124. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570161117666190502103733
Chávez-Reyes, J., Escárcega-González, C. E., Chavira-Suárez, E., León-Buitimea, A., Vázquez-León, P., Morones-Ramírez, J. R., … & Marichal-Cancino, B. A. (2021). Susceptibility for some infectious diseases in patients with diabetes: the key role of glycemia. Frontiers in public health, 9, 559595. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.559595