Week 2: Carbs, Culture, and Diabetes
Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient that maintains the natural functioning of our body. The
main function is to supply the body with enough energy it requires each day. Carbohydrates are
good for us when it is consumed in adequate amounts. They are necessary for the cardiac and
central nervous system to operate accordingly. "The average minimum amount of carbohydrates
needed to fuel the brain is 130 g/day" (ATI, 2016). It is recommended to consume 45-65% of
carbohydrates in the diet daily.
Good carbohydrates are those that are referred to as complex carbohydrates and the bad
carbohydrates are the simple carbohydrates. The good carbohydrates takes a little longer for the
body to digest. Rich food sources that should be included in the diet are fresh fruits, whole
grains, and green vegetables. Simple sugars get broken down in the body more quickly. Bad
carbs are often times processed sugars. This would include high fructose corn syrup or anything
that will include added sugars.
Carbohydrates are harmful to us when we overindulge and consume them in large quantities. It is
especially harmful because Americans are increasing added sugars in the diet causing ample
health diseases to arise.
The process of carbohydrate breakdown begins in the mouth by the enzyme amylase. It then
passes through the digestive tract and reaches the small intestine. If the body is breaking down a
simple sugar, it gets converted into glucose fairly quickly and is absorbed in the blood stream. If
the body is processing a complex sugar, the progression takes a bit longer. The body has to break
them down into smaller molecules before it can be absorbed in the blood. Carbohydrates are
stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen when the body has sufficient amount of sugar it
requires. When the body is in need of sugar, that stored glycogen converts back into glucose and
is ready for the body to use it again. This is important if the individual is working out or has low
blood sugar.
As the nurse, it is important for me to assess Hannah's dietary habits. This would include having
her keep a record of the types of foods she is consuming and how often she eats them. It is also
necessary for the nurse to understand how Hannah views her diabetes. Once this is
accomplished, a plan can be put into place that may allow Hannah to be more compliant in
managing her diabetes. Since she is still young, consistently educating her will be vital to her
health. The nurse should explain the dietary regimen she should adhere to, the importance of
maintaining healthy weight, and even what she should do if she she experiencing hypoglycemia.
The subjective information that was given would be Hannah's response of "I just want to eat like
all my friends do!" and the mother's position of having her daughter on strict vegetarian diet. The
objective information is the blood glucose level greater than the expected range.
Reference
ATI. (2016). Nutrition for Nursing, 6th Ediiton.
Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient that maintains the natural functioning of our body. The
main function is to supply the body with enough energy it requires each day. Carbohydrates are
good for us when it is consumed in adequate amounts. They are necessary for the cardiac and
central nervous system to operate accordingly. "The average minimum amount of carbohydrates
needed to fuel the brain is 130 g/day" (ATI, 2016). It is recommended to consume 45-65% of
carbohydrates in the diet daily.
Good carbohydrates are those that are referred to as complex carbohydrates and the bad
carbohydrates are the simple carbohydrates. The good carbohydrates takes a little longer for the
body to digest. Rich food sources that should be included in the diet are fresh fruits, whole
grains, and green vegetables. Simple sugars get broken down in the body more quickly. Bad
carbs are often times processed sugars. This would include high fructose corn syrup or anything
that will include added sugars.
Carbohydrates are harmful to us when we overindulge and consume them in large quantities. It is
especially harmful because Americans are increasing added sugars in the diet causing ample
health diseases to arise.
The process of carbohydrate breakdown begins in the mouth by the enzyme amylase. It then
passes through the digestive tract and reaches the small intestine. If the body is breaking down a
simple sugar, it gets converted into glucose fairly quickly and is absorbed in the blood stream. If
the body is processing a complex sugar, the progression takes a bit longer. The body has to break
them down into smaller molecules before it can be absorbed in the blood. Carbohydrates are
stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen when the body has sufficient amount of sugar it
requires. When the body is in need of sugar, that stored glycogen converts back into glucose and
is ready for the body to use it again. This is important if the individual is working out or has low
blood sugar.
As the nurse, it is important for me to assess Hannah's dietary habits. This would include having
her keep a record of the types of foods she is consuming and how often she eats them. It is also
necessary for the nurse to understand how Hannah views her diabetes. Once this is
accomplished, a plan can be put into place that may allow Hannah to be more compliant in
managing her diabetes. Since she is still young, consistently educating her will be vital to her
health. The nurse should explain the dietary regimen she should adhere to, the importance of
maintaining healthy weight, and even what she should do if she she experiencing hypoglycemia.
The subjective information that was given would be Hannah's response of "I just want to eat like
all my friends do!" and the mother's position of having her daughter on strict vegetarian diet. The
objective information is the blood glucose level greater than the expected range.
Reference
ATI. (2016). Nutrition for Nursing, 6th Ediiton.
