Tips On Caring For The Diabetic Patient
There are several tips on caring for the diabetic patient at home. Diabetes can cause a myriad of other illnesses if not cared for properly. Ensuring your loved one is getting the best care and concern can help them live their lives to the fullest.
Understanding the type of diabetes a person has is the first step in knowing which type of care a person may need. Type I diabetes is commonly referred to as juvenile onset diabetes but it can occur at any stage in life. This type of diabetes will always require an external source of insulin to control blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body has become resistant to insulin or when the insulin that is produced by the body is not enough to meet the body’s needs. These diabetics will normally take an anti-diabetic pill that works to assist the pancreas in producing insulin or help the body use the insulin more efficiently. Sometimes the type 2 diabetic may need to use external insulin injections as well.
There are common problems diabetics suffer from. One of the most common is diabetic neuropathy. This is a loss of feeling in the extremities. Diabetics are prone to foot ulcers because of this problem so proper foot care and inspection each day is of utmost importance.
A diabetic diet will assist your diabetic loved one in getting the right amount of nutrients while providing the body with a good balance of carbs, fats and proteins. For the patient who uses insulin, counting carbs is another beneficial way to ensure the patient is getting the correct amount of insulin with each meal. The goal is to make sure blood sugar levels stay at normal or near normal levels. Snacks should be available for a blood sugar level that dips too low.
Learning the signs of high and low blood sugar levels in your loved one will help you treat him or her as best you can. Diabetes is a matter of trial and error relating to foods and what a person can or cannot eat. Learn to count carbs and always keep some hard candy or juice on hand to help the hypoglycemic patient quickly.