According to Benton (2017), carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet and are our main energy source for both kids and adults. Carbohydrates are necessary for proper bodily function and should be incorporated into our life at the daily dietary recommended amounts. The brain and nervous tissue rely on the breakdown of glucose from carbohydrates as fuel (Grodner et al., 2020). The ingredients of carbohydrates consist of organic compounds, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that can form simple sugars (Grodner et al., 2020). The linkage of these carbohydrates can form simple carbohydrate complexes like monosaccharides and disaccharides, or they can form complex carbohydrates called polysaccharides (Grodner et al., 2020). All carbohydrates are processed by the body and are broken down into fructose, glucose, and lactose. This breakdown causes a rise in blood sugar, which causes the pancreas to release insulin that supplies cells with sugar and potassium to generate energy (Benton, 2017). It is easier for simple carbs to be broken down, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, whereas complex carbs take longer to be broken down, resulting in a steady rise in blood sugar levels (Benton, 2017). The body has the ability to store glucose energy as glycogen in the muscles and liver that will later undergo glycogenesis when the production of energy is needed (Grodner et al., 2020).
To properly control our blood sugar levels, it is more beneficial to consume complex carbs as they allow us to feel fuller longer and have the added benefit of supplying fiber in addition to glucose (Grodner et al., 2020). Brown rice, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are examples of recommended complex carbs. It is suggested that we stay clear of processed carbohydrates such as refined sugars because most of the time, they are just empty calories that provide no nutrients (Benton, 2017). In turn, this excessive intake of “bad” carbohydrates later leads to the development of obesity or other systemic disorders such as type II diabetes.
In this case study, 12-year-old Hannah, who has type 1 diabetes, is being put on a vegetarian diet by her mother. Hannah is faced with social peer pressure to break from her diet and consume the foods that her friends perceive as normal. Unfortunately, Hannah’s dietary restrictions do not allow her to consume these foods regularly, and she is experiencing an increased rate in her blood sugars. These foods likely include soda, candy, and other refined carbohydrates. Subjectively, the data collected were about her age, her diet, her health history, and her social history. Objectively, I would be able to observe Hannah’s body language and tone of voice to help understand the emotions she is feeling and other important physical assessment data. As her nurse, I would first assess her understanding of diabetes mellitus and attempt to ask regarding the types of foods that are a part of her regular meals. Due to her type I diabetes, her cells are starved of glucose since there is no insulin to bring into the cells (Grodner et al., 2020). Instead, her body turns proteins and fats into energy, causing ketones to build up. However, this is an insufficient way of producing energy because it can cause an acid-base imbalance in the body (Grodner et al., 2020). Hannah must be on proper insulin treatment so that she has the ability to supply her cells with sugar and potassium. I would also recommend that she and her mother consult a nutritionist to come up with a dietary plan that can more effectively accommodate her condition instead of the vegetarian diet that is currently not working.
Benton, J. M. (Ed.). (2017, January). Carbohydrates and Sugar (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sugar.html.
Grodner, M., Escott-Stump, S., & Dorner, S. (2020). Nutritional foundations and clinical applications: A nursicixng approach (7th ed.). Elsevier.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|