HYPERTENSION

Full Answer Section

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet: You might have a "pins and needles" feeling.

Holistic Treatment Plan

1. Medication:

• Metformin: This is a commonly prescribed medication for T2DM. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose your liver produces and improving your body's ability to use insulin.

2. Evidenced-Based Non-Pharmacologic Treatment:

• Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling). Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and can lower blood sugar levels. It also helps with weight management, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces stress.

Assessing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

As a provider, I would assess SDOH using a multi-pronged approach:

• Motivational Interviewing: I would use open-ended questions to explore the patient's living situation, access to healthy food, transportation options, and financial resources. This helps build trust and allows the patient to share their challenges. For example, I might ask, "Can you tell me about a typical meal you have in a day?" or "How do you usually get to your medical appointments?"
• Standardized Questionnaires: Using validated SDOH screening tools can provide a structured way to collect information about various social factors.
• Collaboration with Community Health Workers (CHWs): CHWs can be invaluable in bridging the gap between the clinic and the community. They can help patients navigate resources, provide education, and advocate for their needs. For example, a CHW could help a patient find a local food bank or connect them with transportation assistance.

Impact of SDOH on Health Outcomes

Different SDOH can significantly affect a patient's health outcomes, especially in the context of T2DM:

• Housing: Unstable housing or living in unsafe conditions can make it difficult to manage diabetes. For example, lack of refrigeration can affect medication storage, and stress from housing insecurity can impact blood sugar control.
• Transportation: Limited access to transportation can make it hard to get to medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, or access healthy food options.
• Food Security: Lack of access to affordable, healthy food can lead to poor dietary choices, making it difficult to manage blood sugar levels and weight. People may rely on cheaper, processed foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
• Healthcare Access: Lack of insurance or difficulty getting appointments can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to complications. It can also prevent patients from receiving necessary education and support for managing their diabetes.

By addressing SDOH, we can create a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan that improves patients' overall health and well-being.

Sample Answer

Let's discuss a common diagnosis and a holistic treatment plan. I'll focus on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as an example, but remember, this information is for educational purposes and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis and Common Symptoms (Lay Terms)

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body either doesn't make enough insulin (a hormone that helps sugar get from your blood into your cells for energy) or your body doesn't use insulin well. This leads to high blood sugar. Common symptoms include:

• Increased thirst: You feel like you can't get enough to drink.
• Frequent urination: You need to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night.
• Increased hunger: Even though you're eating, you still feel hungry.
• Unexplained weight loss: You're losing weight without trying.
• Blurry vision: Your eyesight might be fuzzy.
• Slow-healing sores: Cuts or wounds take longer to heal.
• Fatigue: You feel tired all the time.