Home Care Tips for Diabetes Patients

Approximately 9.4% of the US population has been diagnosed with diabetes.⁽¹⁾ While diabetes can affect people of all ages, the risk for the disease increases with age.⁽²⁾ Unfortunately, a diabetes diagnosis is often accompanied by an increased risk of complications that include renal failure, atherosclerosis, cognitive impairment and depression.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ This is why it is essential for home care patients to receive the resources and support they need from diabetes experts.

To prevent or delay complication progression, many diabetic patients have turned to home care to ensure their treatment is properly managed. In fact, 39% of people receiving home care have diabetes.⁽²⁾

Here are some home care tips that will be beneficial for caring for patients with diabetes:

‍

1. Set Up a Healthy Eating Plan

Lowering blood glucose is associated with the reduction or delay of complications in patients with diabetes.⁽¹⁾ Setting up an individualized meal plan that is rich in whole fruits and non-starchy vegetables and limited in carbohydrates will lower blood glucose and benefit long-term health. It is also important to set up a mealtime schedule based on the form of insulin the patient takes. For instance, if the insulin works quickly the patient will want to eat before taking it.⁽¹⁾

2. Incorporate Exercise Throughout the Day

Aerobic exercise has been shown to be effective at lowering blood glucose. Flexibility and balancing exercises are also useful for older patients more prone to falling.⁽¹⁾ Try to schedule these activities throughout the day, especially if patients spend most of their time sitting. Even a 2-minute exercise every 20 minutes can have a lowering effect on glucose.⁽¹⁾ Always remember to give patients a small snack before exercising to ensure glucose levels stay within an optimal range.

3. Promote Patient Self-Care

Patients with diabetes need to feel emotionally supported and socially connected with their care team, but it is also important to encourage independence. Ensure that patients are knowledgeable about their disease and how to manage treatment themselves.⁽²⁾ It is also important, however, to sSupervise them while they are learning. Mobile technology can assist with promoting independence by allowing patients to track their own calories, diet, exercise and insulin management.⁽³⁾

4. Have Resources on Hand

Always make sure that the home is equipped with blood glucose sugar strips and a hypoglycemia treatment kit.⁽⁴⁾ Hypoglycemia occurs when glucose levels are low and its onset is characterized by shakiness, trembling, clammy skin and anxiety. Know how to identify these symptoms and have quickly absorbed sugar options such as fruit juices, hard candies or dextrose tablets on hand in case a patient needs it. If a patient becomes hypoglycemic, give 15 to 20g of sugar and check blood glucose levels 15 minutes later.⁽¹⁾

5. Keep Records and Good Communication

Keep records documenting the patient's blood glucose levels, medications, temperature and meals. Utilize electronic methods to easily communicate with the primary care team and patient.⁽⁴⁾ Work with patient to set up goals and plans that the whole team agrees is realistic.

‍

‍

‍