Type 2 diabetes in women of reproductive age

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women of reproductive age ranges from 3% to 7%. Due to the common nature of this condition, it is imperative for nurse practitioners who care for women to understand evidence-based methods of diabetes management. The aim of this article is to describe current screening and diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes, discuss current evidence-based management and patient education necessary to prevent long-term complications, and provide the tools for a healthy reproductive plan in women with type 2 diabetes from puberty until menopause. Diabetes management extends well beyond glucose control, and nurse practitioners should be attuned to all factors that can impact cardiovascular risk and quality of life.

Understanding Covid-19 vaccines

Healthcare providers have been rolling up their sleeves along with other adults age 65 and older to get their Covid-19 vaccines. Currently, there are three vaccines that have been authorized for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This Covid-19 update provides information to help healthcare providers allay some of the fears surrounding vaccination and answer the questions patients are asking.

PrEP for women: An update for healthcare providers

Women account for almost 20% of all new diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States, yet their utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection is highly underutilized. Significant racial, social, and cultural factors further marginalize those who are at increased risk. Women’s healthcare providers should screen for HIV risk and offer PrEP during routine clinical encounters.

Mental illness stigma: Strategies to address a barrier to care

Mental illness (MI) is extremely prevalent worldwide. Despite recent efforts to raise awareness through screening and early identification, MI stigma remains high and is recognized as a major barrier to recovery. Nurse practitioners play a key role in overcoming stigma to facilitate appropriate treatment and recovery. The various aspects of MI stigma, tools to measure stigma, and intervention strategies to decrease stigma among healthcare professionals and individuals suffering from MI are discussed. Disparities between women and men are also reviewed.

Effect of tickborne illnesses on women

In this article, the authors use two case studies to describe the assessment of patients with potential tickborne illness. Criteria for the diagnosis and current recommendations for treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease are reviewed. Patient education for prevention of tickborne illnesses is discussed. Readers are provided with the link to a video with a step-by-step simulation on tick removal.

Updates on acne in adult females

Acne vulgaris is one of the most commonly treated dermatologic diseases in adult females, but treatment selection and patient education should be tailored specifically to this population. Acne in women has a known association with both physical and psychological factors. There are often genetic, hormonal, and skin care routines that play a role in the etiopathogenesis, and maintenance is often required for many years. Taking into consideration appropriate assessment and diagnosis of severity for acne and having knowledge about available treatment modalities will facilitate successful management.