HOME CARE & DIABETES
Diabetes is defined as either a deficiency of insulin or a decreased ability of the body to use insulin, which is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose (sugar) to enter body cells and be converted to energy. Insulin is also needed to synthesize protein into fats.
There are two types of diabetes:
Type I: The body makes no insulin. Type I diabetes is also called insulin dependent diabetes and usually occurs in people under 40 years of age.
Type II: The body makes insulin but can't use the insulin it makes. This is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes. Nine out of ten people with diabetes have Type II.
The complications of diabetes are many and can cause serious health problems.
Among them are:
- Circulation problems in legs and feet
- Amputation
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Nerve damage
- Eye problems
- Infections
Nursing Unlimited has nurses who are certified in diabetic education and foot care.
These nurses have a positive impact on diabetic patients. Enterostomal nurses are also available for wound care. If a person has diabetes and is homebound, these specially trained nurses can help get the diabetes under control, deal with complications as directed by the physician, and teach patient and family how to manage the disease on an ongoing basis.
Managing diabetes is possible.
Working with the patient's physician, the Nursing Unlimited diabetic nurse assists with implementing a program to manage the diabetes. The program is likely to follow the outline provided by the American Diabetes Association. The program consists of:
- Frequent self-monitoring of blood sugar
- Careful meal planning
- Regular exercise or activity schedule
- Insulin plan for those who require it
- Oral medication plan for those needing it
- Instruction about preventing, recognizing, and dealing with complications
- Continuing education and reinforcement
- Periodic review of treatment goals
While in the home, the Nursing Unlimited nurse can collect important patient information, draw blood for glucose testing, give insulin or other medications, and look for signs of infection. The nurse's most important role in diabetes care, however, might be that of teacher.
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