The prospective role of the primary health care nurse practitioner in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in youth

摘要

Background: This paper examines the literature to explore the multidimensional role of primary health care nurse practitioners (PHC NPs) in type 2 diabetes prevention and management in Canadian youth within the elements of the chronic care model (CCM). Methods: Searches were conducted in 7 electronic databases and key articles and grey literature were also reviewed. Citations were screened for the following inclusion criteria: written in English; involved children or youth 11 years of age or older; and at risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.Results: One thousand and one hundred sixty nine citations were found; 1,113 were excluded through title and abstract screening. A total of 56 full text manuscripts were assessed for inclusion criteria, yielding 2 that met the key question. Both studies included assessing participants’ lifestyle choices as an outcome. The first study assessed prevalence and remission of obesity; whereas the second study measured participant body mass index (BMI). Both studies reported improvements in lifestyle choices with the involvement of a PHC NP. Conclusions: PHC NP’s greatest value and impact currently lies within the community element of the CCM. Additional research examining the PHC NP’s role within the remaining elements of the CCM will demonstrate their impact in targeting type 2 diabetes prevention and management in Canadian youth.