How to Become a Diabetes Nurse

By ehow.com

Diabetes nurse specialists work with diabetic patients to control and manage their diabetes. A diabetes nurse specialist may help diabetes patients to monitor their medication and blood sugar. A nurse specialist may also help diabetic patients to minimize other symptoms of diabetes, including diabetic nerve damage. Their role may be to educate patients about proper diet and/or to help prevent diabetes in the general population. Diabetes nurses can offer pre-diabetic patients diet and nutrition counseling and diabetes education. Because of the specialized nature of the work, becoming a diabetes specialist nurse requires education, experience and credentials.

Become a registered nurse by obtaining an associate's degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing science. An associate's degree takes two years to obtain, while a bachelor's degree takes four years to obtain. In many cases, a bachelor's degree is preferable, and may be required to become a certified nurse specialist like a diabetes nurse. Many hospitals offer RN to BSN programs that allow you to begin work with an associate's degree and obtain your bachelor's degree while working as a nurse, sometimes with tuition reimbursement. You also must take and pass the national nursing exam, called the NCLEX-RN exam, in order to become a registered nurse.

Get practical experience and/or additional education. In order to become a diabetes nurse, you must have either practical experience working in the field, or advanced education or both. Nursingcredentialing.org states that a minimum of 500 practice hours in diabetes care may be required to become certified as an advanced diabetes specialist. A master's degree as a clinical nurse specialist may also be required. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the four specializations (including diabetes specialist nurses) require a master's degree, while Nursingcredentialing.org suggests that a master's degree is preferred but that a bachelor's, coupled with experience, may suffice.

Become certified as a diabetes specialist. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists states that you obtain certification through the The American Nurses Credentialing Center. The American Nursing Credentialing Center requires 500 hours of experience, as well as a passing score on a Diabetes Management Board Certification exam.

How to Prevent Canine Diabetes

A health epidemic has spilled over to our pets. There are almost as many out of shape canines as there are out of shape people. Canine diabetes has various causes. It can come from malnutrition and severe abuse. There is a direct correlation, in both pets and humans, between having diabetes and being overweight. Dogs get overweight because of two very real factors--out-of-balance diets and too little exercise. Dogs with diabetes have shorter life expectancies and get infectionseasily. Nutritional balance is key to helping keep your dog healthy and preventing canine diabetes.

First, immediately lower your canine's carbohydrate intake. Carbs turn to sugar in both human and canine bodies. Too much sugar raises blood sugar and enough of that causes insulin production. Too much insulin creates real problems like diabetes. Dogs do much better on a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates (the "good" carbs).

Cut back or eliminate table scraps. That's generally just another carb-fest your canine can't tolerate.

Feed your dog a quality balanced diet (see How to Give your Dog a Balanced Diet) with veggies and lean meat. Avoid most commercially made dog foods--they're often high in sugar and preservatives, another no-no for your canine friend.

Make sure to not over-feed him/her. Too much of a good thing is part of the problem.

Eliminate the sweets. Doggie treats are okay, but give quality treats and skip the sugary stuff. Remember this saying: "Trim is in!"

Get outdoors regularly. Take your dog for daily regular walks. Slowly build both your time and distance. Exercise is essential for good health, for canines and humans.

Talk with your vet if your dog seems "off." If he suddenly loses weight, has unusual thirstiness, or seems tired or weak, pay attention.

Have your canine friend get an annual check-up. Being proactive goes a long wayto preventing illness like diabetes.Be consistent. Your canine pals rely on you. You want to have them around for a long time, so give your dog a healthy and active lifestyle. You'll both be glad you did!