The Role of Nursing, Laboratory Monitoring, and Physiotherapy in Managing Diabetes Type-I-Related Complications
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder marked by β-cell destruction and absolute insulin deficiency. Morbidity arises from acute events (hypoglycemia, DKA) and chronic micro-/macrovascular complications. Optimal outcomes require interprofessional care integrating nursing, clinical pathology, and physiotherapy alongside insulin therapy and diabetes technologies. Aim: To synthesize contemporary evidence and practice recommendations on how nursing, laboratory monitoring, and physiotherapy jointly mitigate T1D complications across the disease continuum. Methods: Narrative critical review of clinical domains outlined in the article—epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, treatment/technology, hypoglycemia prevention, and team-based models—mapped to discipline-specific roles (nursing, clinical pathology, physiotherapy). Core processes (screening, CGM integration, education, exercise prescription) were aligned with outcome targets (HbA1c, time-in-range, complication surveillance). Results: Nursing-led education, triage, and adherence support reduced acute decompensation, improved device uptake, and strengthened self-management. Clinical pathologists ensured diagnostic accuracy (autoantibodies, OGTT/HbA1c standardization, C-peptide), longitudinal risk stratification, and complication screening (lipid profile, UACR, thyroid/celiac panels). Physiotherapy optimized insulin sensitivity, functional capacity, and fall risk through individualized exercise and neuropathy-aware gait/foot-care programs. Conclusion: Complication reduction in T1D depends on coordinated insulin replacement, continuous glucose data, structured education, and targeted rehabilitation—operationalized by nurses, pathologists, and physiotherapists within a shared-care framework.
Authors
- Hazim S. Alghamdi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1861-9138)
- Aqeel M. Alenazi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2641-8339)
- Eshraq Awad Aljohany
- Huda Abdulhakeem Almarghalani
- Reem Mutlaq Alanzi
- Zahi Foriaan Alanzi
- Yasamiyan Luayban Ramadan Alanazi
- Ali Ahmad Ali Bin Hudayb
- Daleela Mahna Al Mutairi
- Mona Aaid Alanzi
- Fatima Abdo Hadi Shaabi
- Hazah Mouhmmad Alrifae Albayre
Institutions
- Alfaisal University (SA)
- Dar Al-Shifa Hospital (PS)
- Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SA)
- Ministry of Health (SA)
- Primary Health Care (QA)
- King Khaled Hospital (SA)
- Ministry of Health (BH)
- King Khalid University (SA)
- Jazan University (SA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health
- Published
- 2024-12-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.64483/jmph-90
- Primary Topic
- Diabetes Management and Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00