Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, of all ages. The body of people with diabetes has an altered ability to produce or regulate the amount of insulin needed to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. This impairment has several origins and mechanisms, which are the subject of ongoing scientific study in order to improve the medication and quality of life of these patients. When diabetes is not controlled, it causes damage to the kidneys, vision, heart, vascular and nervous systems.
There are 3 main types of diabetes, according to the World Health Organization:
– Type 1 diabetes: this was called insulin-dependent, juvenile or infant-onset diabetes. The patient does not produce insulin.
– Type 2 diabetes: Insulin production has decreased over time or glucose production is increased.
– Gestational diabetes: It occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, is transient and recovers after delivery.
The American Diabetes Association recognizes a fourth type: diabetes caused by other causes: medications, diseases such as cystic fibrosis, infections, etc.
Home Care for People With Diabetes
Good diabetes control is not just about monitoring blood glucose levels. Preventing complications associated with diabetes requires monitoring and controlling all the elements involved. The person with diabetes is responsible, along with the professional, for proper monitoring and meeting goals.
A 2017 study of nearly 700 people with diabetes concluded that diabetic home care was highly effective in reducing blood glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol, including self-management of blood glucose.
When the person with diabetes cannot take control of their diabetes because their general condition does not allow them to check the values, due to lack of knowledge or failure of previous attempts, family members or a professional caregiver can help the patient.
– For type 1 diabetes, the current therapy focuses on the patient him/herself, who is responsible for blood glucose control, diet and exercise, and insulin administration. But in special situations such as an accident resulting in temporary or permanent disability, infections such as influenza, gastroenteritis and colds, glucose control may not be as easy and the use of a physician or home visits by a nurse may be a good idea. .
– For type 2 diabetes, if the person is staying at home because of age, mobility issues, obesity or other chronic illness, the need for a permanent caregiver, nurse visiting and a home doctor becomes even more important.
– For gestational diabetes, rest is often indicated, and the use of a home care agency can help not only with blood sugar control, but also with personal and domestic care.
Benefits of home care for diabetes
Home care agencies work with people of all ages and can help with all kinds of health problems. They offer a wide range of services in the home, depending on the needs of the patient. From skilled nursing to social services to health care, they have qualified staff to help you live a healthier life.
Diabetes Home Care Has Two Main Goals:
- To help the patient and family manage diabetes, diet and exercise.
- To prevent hospitalization for diabetes or related conditions.
These goals are achieved in the following ways:
- Educating the patient and family about medications, how and when to administer them.
- Creating a personalized diet and preparing meals if the service includes homemaking.
- Teaching the patient and family to recognize the signs of hyper and hypoglycemia and how to act in each case.
- Checking pulse, blood pressure and breathing.
- Controlling weight and exercising appropriately.
- Take blood samples to check blood sugar if the patient cannot do it himself.
- Administering medications: insulin, hypoglycemic agents and any other medication indicated by the physician.
- Assist with exercises as directed by the physical therapist.
- Checking the condition of the feet and preventing circulatory problems.
- The home care staff also helps to alleviate the stress of managing diabetes. This is a valuable aid in managing the disease, as stress can increase insulin resistance and lead to high blood sugar levels.
Requesting an interview with a trusted agency that specializes in home care for people with diabetes can be the way to avoid deteriorating health and hospitalizations. What are your thoughts on diabetes home care? Let us know in the comments below.
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