Today at MEDS
Clinician Reviews and the Primary Care Metabolic Group welcomed more than 300 NPs, PAs, RNs, CDEs, and other clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of metabolic and endocrine disorders from across the United States and abroad to the 2018 Metabolic and Endocrine Disease Summit (MEDS). This annual conference, headed by Meeting Chair Scott Urquhart, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Co-Chair Christine Kessler, MN, ANP-BC, CNS, BC-ADM, FAANP, was held August 1-4, 2018, at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside in San Diego, California, providing the opportunity for attendees to earn up to 24.25 CE/CME credits.
View summaries from the event on the following pages.
Up, Up, and Away! Grounding Glucocorticoid-Induced Hyperglycemia
Lucia M. Novak, MSN, ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDTC, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia is responsible for 40% to 56% of all inpatient consults with Endocrine Services, according to Novak, which is why it’s important to recognize the pattern of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia. Features include a minimal effect on fasting glucose levels and an exaggeration of insulin resistance that leads to elevated blood glucose levels all day. Once the pattern is identified, next steps, according to Novak, are to determine the insulin product that is best suited to address the pattern, and dose the insulin using a weight-based approach. Prompt recognition and management can help counter the 1.5 to 2.5 odds ratio for developing new onset T2DM.
Key Points to Know for Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
Donna Jornsay, MS, BSN, CPNP, BC-ADM, CDE, CDTC, Mills Peninsula Medical Center
The prevalence of T1DM increased 23% between 2009 and 2013, according to Jornsay, who added that the number of young people with T1DM is increasing 5% per year. With so many new diagnoses, a new developmental stage was born—that of the emerging adult, who is usually someone aged 18 to 30 years, unmarried, and without children; who is often separated geographically and/or emotionally from family; and who often finds him/herself in a transition of care without focused health care delivery. These patients typically have poor control of glycemia, are at risk for complications, and are often lost to follow-up. Jornsay provided tips on what works in this population.
Tips for Effective Communication in Diabetes Management
Ellen D. Mandel, DMH, MPA, MS, PA-C, RDN, CDE, Pace University, and Donna Jornsay, MS, BSN, CPNP, BC-ADM, CDE, CDTC, Mills Peninsula Medical Center
With 1 in 5 US residents speaking a language other than English at home, Mandel and Jornsay wrapped up the day’s sessions by examining the language of diabetes. In addition to the importance of conveying information about diabetes in a language that’s understood by the patient, they suggested small word choice changes that can help empower patients. For example, instead of referring to patients as diabetics, use the language “people with diabetes.” They reminded that how we talk to, and about, people with diabetes plays an important role in engagement, conceptualization of the disease and its management, treatment outcomes, and the psychosocial well‐being of patients.
