Final answer:
Gradual loss of peripheral vision in a patient with diabetes mellitus is indicative of Open-angle glaucoma, which affects the outermost areas of vision. Diabetes can also cause other eye and health complications. Regular eye checks are necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should recognize the symptom of gradual loss of peripheral vision as a manifestation of Open-angle glaucoma. This is a condition that can occur as a long-term complication of diabetes mellitus and causes the loss of peripheral vision due to increased pressure in the eyes. The pressure damages the optic nerve and affects the outermost areas of the visual field, causing difficulty in seeing objects to the right and left.
It's important to note that diabetes can also cause other complications like heart disease and kidney failure, and that everyone with diabetes needs to be regularly screened for eye conditions. It's also different from other vision issues like cataracts and macular degeneration which affect different areas of vision.
Learn more about Open-angle glaucoma