A review of patients’
self-care management skills and application/
adaptation to lifestyle is incorporated
in initial histories, physical
exams, and plans of care.
Many advanced practice nurses
(NPs, CNSs, nurse midwives, and
nurse anesthetists) may prescribe and
adjust medication through prescriptive
authority granted to them by their state
nursing regulatory body. Currently, all
50 states have some form of prescriptive
authority for advanced practice
nurses.3 The ability to prescribe and
adjust medication is a valuable asset in
caring for individuals with diabetes. It
is a crucial component in the care of
people with type 1 diabetes, and it
becomes increasingly important in the
care of patients with type 2 diabetes
who have a constellation of comorbidities,
all of which must be managed for
successful disease outcomes.
Many studies have documented the
effectiveness of advanced practice
nurses in managing common primary
care issues.4 NP care has been associated
with a high level of satisfaction
among health services consumers. In
diabetes, the role of advanced practice
nurses has significantly contributed to
improved outcomes in the management
of type 2 diabetes,5 in specialized