Lesson 1Medication fundamentals: metformin mechanism, dosing, side effects, contraindications, and interactionsReviews metformin pharmacology, including mechanism of action, dosing, titration, common gastrointestinal side effects, contraindications, and key interactions, enabling nurses to monitor safety and educate patients effectively.
Metformin mechanisms and clinical benefitsInitiation, titration, and dosing schedulesCommon side effects and mitigation tipsRenal, hepatic, and cardiac precautionsImportant drug and contrast interactionsLesson 2Impact of shift work and irregular meals on glycemic control and circadian effectsExamines how shift work, sleep disruption, and irregular meals alter circadian rhythms, stress hormones, and insulin sensitivity, leading to unstable glycemic control, and outlines nursing strategies to support safer schedules and meal planning.
Circadian biology and glucose regulationEffects of night shifts on insulin sensitivityMeal timing, composition, and glycemiaSleep deprivation, stress, and hormonesNursing strategies for shift-working patientsLesson 3Interpretation of glucose measurements: fasting, pre/post-prandial, random, and A1c correlationsCovers interpretation of fasting, pre- and post-prandial, random glucose, and A1c, including typical targets, patterns, and limitations, so nurses can recognize concerning trends, measurement errors, and when to escalate care.
Fasting and pre-prandial glucose targetsPost-prandial glucose interpretationRandom glucose and symptom correlationUnderstanding A1c and estimated average glucoseWhen results warrant provider notificationLesson 4Short-term glycemic targets and individualized goals for adults (including frailty and comorbidities)Details short-term glycemic targets and how to individualize goals based on age, frailty, comorbidities, and hypoglycemia risk, enabling nurses to align education, monitoring, and interventions with safe, realistic treatment plans.
Standard outpatient glucose and A1c targetsAdjusting goals for frailty and comorbiditiesBalancing control with hypoglycemia riskShort-term goals during illness or stressDocumenting and reinforcing agreed targetsLesson 5Clinical presentation and complications relevant to outpatient care (hyperglycemia symptoms, vision changes, fatigue)Describes common outpatient presentations of type 2 diabetes, including hyperglycemia symptoms, vision changes, fatigue, and early complications, helping nurses triage severity, provide education, and coordinate timely follow-up.
Typical symptoms of hyperglycemiaSubacute vision changes and eye risksFatigue, weight change, and mood effectsEarly neuropathy and foot complicationsWhen to expedite specialty referralsLesson 6Self-monitoring of blood glucose: selecting meters, teaching technique, frequency, and documentationProvides guidance on selecting blood glucose meters, teaching stepwise technique, determining monitoring frequency, and documenting results, so nurses can support accurate self-monitoring and meaningful use of home data.
Choosing an appropriate glucose meterTeaching hand hygiene and lancing techniqueCorrect strip use and meter maintenanceDetermining SMBG timing and frequencyRecording, reviewing, and sharing readingsLesson 7Acute hyperglycemia and urgent warning signs requiring escalation or ED referralOutlines recognition and initial management of acute hyperglycemia, including red-flag symptoms of DKA and HHS, dehydration, and mental status changes, and clarifies when urgent escalation or emergency department referral is required.
Recognizing symptomatic severe hyperglycemiaRed flags for DKA and HHS in adultsAssessing dehydration and vital sign changesHome management versus urgent evaluationCriteria for ED referral and clear teachingLesson 8Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and beta-cell dysfunctionExplains the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, emphasizing insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction, and the roles of liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, to help nurses connect disease mechanisms with clinical findings and treatment choices.
Normal glucose and insulin physiology reviewMechanisms of insulin resistance in tissuesProgressive beta-cell dysfunction and lossRole of liver, muscle, and adipose tissueInflammation, genetics, and lifestyle factorsLesson 9Nursing assessment priorities: vital signs, neuropathy screening, foot exam, vision screening, medication adherenceFocuses on priority nursing assessments in type 2 diabetes, including vital signs, neuropathy and foot screening, vision checks, and evaluation of medication adherence to detect risk early and guide safe, person-centered care.
Baseline and serial vital sign assessmentScreening for peripheral and autonomic neuropathyStructured diabetic foot inspection and risk gradingVision screening and referral pathwaysAssessing medication adherence and barriers
