BTEC Level 3 Health and social care
Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
[Insert name]
Learning aim C
Diabetes
P3
Insulin injections
Primarily, we need to know what insulin is first so that we can talk about the different
treatments for diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which manages
blood sugar levels and it is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles so that it helps with
fat metabolism. One insulin treatment that can be used to treat diabetes and is available in
Southport (Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) is insulin injections.
This is because they offer diabetes services for people who have been referred from their
GP. Also there are other places who offer different types of Insulin injections as a form of
insulin treatments like Southport and Formby District Hospital which offers Sefton
Community Diabetes Service. Insulin injections work by injecting insulin into your body so
that you can control your blood glucose levels in the bloodstream. For example, Insulin
pump is another type of injection where you can administer someone with type 1 diabetes
and type 2 diabetes. Although, there are different forms of insulin treatment such as insulin
pump, inhaled insulin (afrezza) and insulin shots or pens. A service user with type 1 diabetes
may need insulin injection because their pancreas produces little to no insulin therefore
taking it would help to manage their blood glucose levels. Whereas, a service user with type
2 diabetes their whole body becomes resistant to insulin which means that they are unable
to produce sufficient insulin. By taking the injection it may help a service user with diabetes
who may have problems with their oral medications. According to Better health (accessed
On 28/09/24) “Rapid- or short-acting insulin helps reduce blood glucose levels at mealtimes
and intermediate or long-acting insulin helps with managing the body’s general needs. Both
help manage blood glucose levels.” This treatment is important because it helps a service
user with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes complications
which are also known as short-term or long-term serious health problems.
Carbohydrate counting
A place where carbohydrate counting would be available would be Mersey and West
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust which was formerly known as Southport and
Ormskirk Hospital as they have a team called ‘Paediatric Diabetes Team’ that educates
children and young adults about carbohydrate counting for those who have type 1 diabetes.
The definition of carbohydrate is a type of nutrient where there are sugar molecules found in
foods and drinks. Carbohydrate counting is an insulin dose method where it counts the
amount of carbohydrate someone eats or drinks which can help someone with diabetes to
manage their blood sugar levels. For example, an individual with diabetes may have a
specific carbohydrate counting goal for each meal and snack that they eat such as pasta,
fruits, vegetables and dairy products. For type 1 diabetes, it is important for them to know
how much carbs they are consuming so they can find the right balance. Similarly, for type 2
diabetes they need to be aware of their carbs as well. According to WebMD (accessed on
30/09/24) “Experts recommend that you get 45%-65% of your daily calories from carbs.
Carbs have 4 calories per gram. So if you eat 2,000 calories a day, you should eat 225 to
,BTEC Level 3 Health and social care
Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
[Insert name]
325 grams of carbs.” This treatment is important because it keeps control of blood sugar
levels, keeps a balance between medications and insulin dose and keeps control of food
portions to be able for a service user with diabetes to not gain weight or lose weight. In
addition, it provides energy which is necessary when doing daily activities. Overall,
healthcare providers can inform individuals on carbohydrate counting and there are loads of
resources available such as websites, apps, online tools and books that can help an
individual know how to properly do carbohydrate counting. Also, by intaking other nutrients
such as fats and protein it can help to improve overall health and blood sugar levels.
Finger prick test
This treatment can be available in Southport as Southport & Formby District General
Hospital have finger prick test services and as well a range of different blood test services.
Furthermore, if you are a child then that means that they could refer you to the Village
Surgery for a finger prick test. However, you may need to pay to do the test if you are older
than 18 years old but younger than 60 years old. The finger prick test is a device that pierces
the skin of the finger before there are drops of blood that can be collected in a sample
container for testing. The needle is called a lancet. The good thing about the device or test is
that it helps to adjust the device based on the thickness of the skin. Therefore, the device
allows how far it can pierce the skin. For example, there are two types of lancet devices that
can be used for the finger prick test such as reusable device and single use device.
According to the NHS (accessed on 30/09/24) they recommend tips on how to take the
finger prick sample “Allow plenty of time. Collecting blood can take patience, but most
people can do it. To help your blood flow, drink a large glass of water 30 minutes before
collecting your sample, then warm up your hands by either taking a shower or holding a hot
water bottle / hot drink. It also helps if you exercise before taking your sample. Take your
samples standing up, if you can. And if you’re nervous, you could ask someone to help.”
This treatment is important because it allows someone to do the test at home or anywhere
as much as someone desires which can be good when there is an emergency where a
diabetic person’s glucose sugar levels are too high or too low. In addition, it is cost effective
which means it is an outstanding test to check if blood sugar levels throughout the day and
make any necessary treatments. For example, dosing insulin can help to manage blood
sugar levels.
Metformin
One medication that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes and that is available in Southport
includes Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust or Southport & Formby
District Hospital which is a part of the NHS organisation is metformin. To be more specific
you can have the medication prescribed by a doctor at Rowlands Pharmacy which is located
at the front entrance of Southport Hospital. Alternatively, delivery services are available for
those who are unable to collect the metformin by themselves due to certain circumstances
like arthritis. Metformin is an oral medication or drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and
gestational diabetes. Metformin is used to lower a service user’s blood sugar levels which
can help to refine the insulin that someone has in their body. However, there are common
side effects that affect diabetic people when taking metformin: such as feeling sick (nausea),
being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, stomach ache, loss of appetite and a metallic taste in the
mouth. There are a number of ways that metformin can help manage diabetes much easier.
, BTEC Level 3 Health and social care
Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
[Insert name]
Primarily, Metformin helps reduce your blood sugar by improving the way your body can
handle insulin. Moreover, It reduces the liver's ability to make glucose (sugar), especially
when you haven't eaten. Next, It might also slightly lower the amount of glucose absorbed
from the food you eat after a meal. For example, Metformin comes in different forms: tablets,
a liquid you drink, and powder sachets that you mix with a beverage. According to the NHS
(accessed on 30/09/24) “Not everyone gets diabetes symptoms, so taking metformin may
not make you feel any different. That does not mean it is not working, so keep on taking it.”
One of the best parts of taking metformin is that it can take different forms for those who are
unable to consume liquid form metformin like tablets, pills, etc. This treatment is important
because especially for type 2 diabetes as it helps keep blood sugar levels under control,
supports weight management, and may lower the chances of having complications. In
addition, it helps people stay healthy and enjoy their life while dealing with diabetes.
Transplantation
Unfortunately, transplant services are not available in hospitals that are located in Southport,
especially in Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. However, if it’s an
emergency and you are a diabetic person with renal health problems like kidney problems
then they can refer you to the major transplant centres such as Royal Papworth Hospital or
Aintree and Royal Liverpool University Hospitals. Transplantation, in medical terminology, is
the implementation of cells, tissues, or organs from one place to another, which may occur
within the same individual (autologous transplantation) or between various individuals
(allogeneic transplantation). There are two types of transplantation that can be useful for
type 1 diabetes which is pancreas and islet cell transplantation. For example, in pancreas
transplantation it involves removing a pancreas that is in good condition from a person who
has been chosen, and then it is placed in a man who suffers from diabetes. This type of
operation is able to bring insulin production into the right state again and can be the cure of
diabetes. Whereas, in islet cell transplantation the islet cells which the pancreas consists of,
that are responsible for the production of insulin, are separated and sprayed on the patient
who suffers from diabetes. It helps to achieve the proper control of blood glucose in the
patient and decreases the patient's need to use the insulin injection. However, according to
the National Kidney Foundation (accessed on 01/09/24) “After a transplant, you must
continue to take anti-rejection medicines (called "immunosuppressants") to prevent your
body from rejecting the transplanted organ. Normally, your body fights off anything that isn't
part of itself, like germs or viruses. That system of protection is called your immune system.
Anti-rejection medicine keeps your immune system less active. Without it, your immune
system would see your new organ as a "foreign invader" and try to destroy it. Unfortunately,
these medications can also increase your risk for diabetes – or make it worse.” This
treatment is important because a successful transplantation can slow down the effects of the
damage that diabetes has caused in the eye, nerves, and blood vessels. In addition, diabetic
patients have a high chance to enjoy a new life due to transplantation. Patients receiving this
surgery will not be taking the medications daily, and will have fewer problems with
complications associated with diabetes.
Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
[Insert name]
Learning aim C
Diabetes
P3
Insulin injections
Primarily, we need to know what insulin is first so that we can talk about the different
treatments for diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which manages
blood sugar levels and it is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles so that it helps with
fat metabolism. One insulin treatment that can be used to treat diabetes and is available in
Southport (Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) is insulin injections.
This is because they offer diabetes services for people who have been referred from their
GP. Also there are other places who offer different types of Insulin injections as a form of
insulin treatments like Southport and Formby District Hospital which offers Sefton
Community Diabetes Service. Insulin injections work by injecting insulin into your body so
that you can control your blood glucose levels in the bloodstream. For example, Insulin
pump is another type of injection where you can administer someone with type 1 diabetes
and type 2 diabetes. Although, there are different forms of insulin treatment such as insulin
pump, inhaled insulin (afrezza) and insulin shots or pens. A service user with type 1 diabetes
may need insulin injection because their pancreas produces little to no insulin therefore
taking it would help to manage their blood glucose levels. Whereas, a service user with type
2 diabetes their whole body becomes resistant to insulin which means that they are unable
to produce sufficient insulin. By taking the injection it may help a service user with diabetes
who may have problems with their oral medications. According to Better health (accessed
On 28/09/24) “Rapid- or short-acting insulin helps reduce blood glucose levels at mealtimes
and intermediate or long-acting insulin helps with managing the body’s general needs. Both
help manage blood glucose levels.” This treatment is important because it helps a service
user with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes complications
which are also known as short-term or long-term serious health problems.
Carbohydrate counting
A place where carbohydrate counting would be available would be Mersey and West
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust which was formerly known as Southport and
Ormskirk Hospital as they have a team called ‘Paediatric Diabetes Team’ that educates
children and young adults about carbohydrate counting for those who have type 1 diabetes.
The definition of carbohydrate is a type of nutrient where there are sugar molecules found in
foods and drinks. Carbohydrate counting is an insulin dose method where it counts the
amount of carbohydrate someone eats or drinks which can help someone with diabetes to
manage their blood sugar levels. For example, an individual with diabetes may have a
specific carbohydrate counting goal for each meal and snack that they eat such as pasta,
fruits, vegetables and dairy products. For type 1 diabetes, it is important for them to know
how much carbs they are consuming so they can find the right balance. Similarly, for type 2
diabetes they need to be aware of their carbs as well. According to WebMD (accessed on
30/09/24) “Experts recommend that you get 45%-65% of your daily calories from carbs.
Carbs have 4 calories per gram. So if you eat 2,000 calories a day, you should eat 225 to
,BTEC Level 3 Health and social care
Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
[Insert name]
325 grams of carbs.” This treatment is important because it keeps control of blood sugar
levels, keeps a balance between medications and insulin dose and keeps control of food
portions to be able for a service user with diabetes to not gain weight or lose weight. In
addition, it provides energy which is necessary when doing daily activities. Overall,
healthcare providers can inform individuals on carbohydrate counting and there are loads of
resources available such as websites, apps, online tools and books that can help an
individual know how to properly do carbohydrate counting. Also, by intaking other nutrients
such as fats and protein it can help to improve overall health and blood sugar levels.
Finger prick test
This treatment can be available in Southport as Southport & Formby District General
Hospital have finger prick test services and as well a range of different blood test services.
Furthermore, if you are a child then that means that they could refer you to the Village
Surgery for a finger prick test. However, you may need to pay to do the test if you are older
than 18 years old but younger than 60 years old. The finger prick test is a device that pierces
the skin of the finger before there are drops of blood that can be collected in a sample
container for testing. The needle is called a lancet. The good thing about the device or test is
that it helps to adjust the device based on the thickness of the skin. Therefore, the device
allows how far it can pierce the skin. For example, there are two types of lancet devices that
can be used for the finger prick test such as reusable device and single use device.
According to the NHS (accessed on 30/09/24) they recommend tips on how to take the
finger prick sample “Allow plenty of time. Collecting blood can take patience, but most
people can do it. To help your blood flow, drink a large glass of water 30 minutes before
collecting your sample, then warm up your hands by either taking a shower or holding a hot
water bottle / hot drink. It also helps if you exercise before taking your sample. Take your
samples standing up, if you can. And if you’re nervous, you could ask someone to help.”
This treatment is important because it allows someone to do the test at home or anywhere
as much as someone desires which can be good when there is an emergency where a
diabetic person’s glucose sugar levels are too high or too low. In addition, it is cost effective
which means it is an outstanding test to check if blood sugar levels throughout the day and
make any necessary treatments. For example, dosing insulin can help to manage blood
sugar levels.
Metformin
One medication that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes and that is available in Southport
includes Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust or Southport & Formby
District Hospital which is a part of the NHS organisation is metformin. To be more specific
you can have the medication prescribed by a doctor at Rowlands Pharmacy which is located
at the front entrance of Southport Hospital. Alternatively, delivery services are available for
those who are unable to collect the metformin by themselves due to certain circumstances
like arthritis. Metformin is an oral medication or drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and
gestational diabetes. Metformin is used to lower a service user’s blood sugar levels which
can help to refine the insulin that someone has in their body. However, there are common
side effects that affect diabetic people when taking metformin: such as feeling sick (nausea),
being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, stomach ache, loss of appetite and a metallic taste in the
mouth. There are a number of ways that metformin can help manage diabetes much easier.
, BTEC Level 3 Health and social care
Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
[Insert name]
Primarily, Metformin helps reduce your blood sugar by improving the way your body can
handle insulin. Moreover, It reduces the liver's ability to make glucose (sugar), especially
when you haven't eaten. Next, It might also slightly lower the amount of glucose absorbed
from the food you eat after a meal. For example, Metformin comes in different forms: tablets,
a liquid you drink, and powder sachets that you mix with a beverage. According to the NHS
(accessed on 30/09/24) “Not everyone gets diabetes symptoms, so taking metformin may
not make you feel any different. That does not mean it is not working, so keep on taking it.”
One of the best parts of taking metformin is that it can take different forms for those who are
unable to consume liquid form metformin like tablets, pills, etc. This treatment is important
because especially for type 2 diabetes as it helps keep blood sugar levels under control,
supports weight management, and may lower the chances of having complications. In
addition, it helps people stay healthy and enjoy their life while dealing with diabetes.
Transplantation
Unfortunately, transplant services are not available in hospitals that are located in Southport,
especially in Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. However, if it’s an
emergency and you are a diabetic person with renal health problems like kidney problems
then they can refer you to the major transplant centres such as Royal Papworth Hospital or
Aintree and Royal Liverpool University Hospitals. Transplantation, in medical terminology, is
the implementation of cells, tissues, or organs from one place to another, which may occur
within the same individual (autologous transplantation) or between various individuals
(allogeneic transplantation). There are two types of transplantation that can be useful for
type 1 diabetes which is pancreas and islet cell transplantation. For example, in pancreas
transplantation it involves removing a pancreas that is in good condition from a person who
has been chosen, and then it is placed in a man who suffers from diabetes. This type of
operation is able to bring insulin production into the right state again and can be the cure of
diabetes. Whereas, in islet cell transplantation the islet cells which the pancreas consists of,
that are responsible for the production of insulin, are separated and sprayed on the patient
who suffers from diabetes. It helps to achieve the proper control of blood glucose in the
patient and decreases the patient's need to use the insulin injection. However, according to
the National Kidney Foundation (accessed on 01/09/24) “After a transplant, you must
continue to take anti-rejection medicines (called "immunosuppressants") to prevent your
body from rejecting the transplanted organ. Normally, your body fights off anything that isn't
part of itself, like germs or viruses. That system of protection is called your immune system.
Anti-rejection medicine keeps your immune system less active. Without it, your immune
system would see your new organ as a "foreign invader" and try to destroy it. Unfortunately,
these medications can also increase your risk for diabetes – or make it worse.” This
treatment is important because a successful transplantation can slow down the effects of the
damage that diabetes has caused in the eye, nerves, and blood vessels. In addition, diabetic
patients have a high chance to enjoy a new life due to transplantation. Patients receiving this
surgery will not be taking the medications daily, and will have fewer problems with
complications associated with diabetes.
