Diabetic Care
Angels On Duty is proud to provide in-home care specializing in Diabetic care in St. Charles County, St. Louis County, Warren County, and Lincoln County.
Caring for a diabetic patient involves managing blood sugar levels, ensuring proper nutrition, and addressing any complications that may arise. Here are key aspects to consider:
- Blood Sugar Management
- Monitor Blood Glucose: Regularly check blood sugar levels as advised by the healthcare provider.
- Medication Management: Ensure medications or insulin are taken as prescribed, and understand the potential side effects.
- Adjust Dosages: Be aware of how changes in diet, exercise, or illness can impact medication needs and consult a healthcare provider for adjustments.
- Nutrition
- Balanced Diet: Encourage a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits while limiting processed foods and sugars.
- Carbohydrate Counting: Help the patient understand and manage carbohydrate intake to control blood sugar levels.
- Portion Control: Educate on portion sizes and meal planning to avoid overeating and stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Physical Activity
- Encourage Exercise: Promote regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, to help manage weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Adapt to Limitations: Adjust exercise routines to fit the patient’s physical abilities and health conditions.
- Monitoring for Complications
- Foot Care: Regularly inspect feet for cuts, blisters, or infections, and ensure proper foot hygiene to prevent complications.
- Eye Health: Schedule regular eye exams to detect diabetic retinopathy or other vision problems.
- Kidney Function: Monitor kidney health through regular check-ups, as diabetes can affect kidney function.
- Education and Support
- Self-Management: Educate the patient on how to manage their condition, including recognizing symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
- Emergency Plan: Develop a plan for managing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), including when to seek emergency help.
- Emotional Support
- Mental Health: Recognize the potential for diabetes-related stress or depression and provide emotional support or counseling if needed.
- Regular Check-Ups
- Routine Visits: Ensure the patient keeps regular appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor and manage their diabetes effectively.
- Preventative Care
- Vaccinations: Ensure the patient is up-to-date with vaccinations, as diabetes can increase the risk of infections.
- Regular Screenings: Schedule screenings for potential complications related to diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease.
- Lifestyle Adjustments
- Stress Management: Teach techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, which can affect blood sugar levels.
- Sleep Hygiene: Encourage good sleep habits, as poor sleep can impact blood sugar control.
- Collaboration
- Team Approach: Work with a healthcare team, including dietitians, diabetes educators, and endocrinologists, to provide comprehensive care.
At Angels On Duty, our commitment is to put our patients first. We are dedicated to meeting all their needs and ensuring that care is tailored to each patient’s specific plan. Diabetic care is integrated seamlessly with the comprehensive services we offer.
Our approach involves crafting a personalized care plan that addresses all aspects of daily life, ensuring that both our staff and the patient’s family are well-informed about the patient’s progress and adherence to the care plan. By maintaining open communication and providing detailed updates, we ensure that every aspect of the patient’s care is managed effectively and that their needs are met with the highest standards of care and compliance.
