A spotlight on digestive health

FigureThis issue of Nursing Made Incredibly Easy centers on the diverse topic of gastrointestinal health. You'll find informative, evidence-based articles on digestive health and related diseases, including Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and small bowel obstruction. Expanding your knowledge in these areas will serve you well in your nursing career. The feature on GLP-1 receptor agonists resonates with me as I've tried these medications and have experienced some success. Like many Americans, I've struggled with obesity. I've tried countless diets with varying degrees of success, none of which have been sustainable. In my late 50s, when these medications became mainstream, I decided to give them a try. Over the past 3 years, I've been on two different GLP-1 RAs and have achieved moderate, sustainable success. I'm now managing my weight without medication. Designed to manage type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 RAs were initially prescribed only to patients who met specific guidelines. Although the medications were primarily marketed for diabetes, advertisements often highlighted their weight loss benefits. This off-label promotion led to patients and providers creatively navigating documentation to secure insurance approvals. The primary mechanism of these medications is to delay stomach emptying, making the patient feel fuller for a longer period. They also enhance the feeling of satiety, so the user feels “satisfied.” However, concerns have arisen for several reasons. The rapid increase in demand has led to supply shortages, making it difficult for patients with diabetes, who depend on these medications, to fill their prescriptions. The widespread off-label use of GLP-1 RAs has overshadowed the needs of patients who rely on them for daily glucose management. As you read the article on GLP-1 RAs, I hope you gain fact-based insights into their use for weight loss and their role in promoting health by managing obesity. I also hope you understand the importance of these medications for those who genuinely need them for diabetes management, as well as the impact of their misuse. There are two sides to this discussion on misuse, including the issue of prescribing these medications to individuals who aren't truly obese and don't qualify for them. First, this misuse has had a cumulative effect on supply, demand, cost containment, and insurance approvals. And second, the adverse reactions of these medications can be significant, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and mild tachycardia. Less common, but more serious, complications may include pancreatitis, small bowel obstruction, gastroparesis, and issues with gallstones and the common bile duct. These adverse reactions connect to the other well-written articles you'll find in this issue. As always, I hope you find this special edition of NMIE both informative and educational.Figure