5 Practical Tips to Care For Somebody With Diabetes
Diabetes is a common disease that has affected millions all over the world.
While the condition is a delicate one, if you have somebody who knows how to care for diabetic needs in particular, leading a healthy and normal life is made possible.
The following are 5 practical and easy ways to care for somebody who is a diabetic.
1.
Low blood sugar - Although the need for medications in most elderly diabetic patients decreases with progressing age, older individuals are at a higher risk of hyperglycemia which is a low glucose level in the blood.
This is because the diabetes has caused impairment in their kidney and liver function, making them more vulnerable to low glucose.
Look out for signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia such as dizziness, passing out, low energy and palpitations and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
2.
Podiatry care - diabetic patients often suffer from diminished sensation in their feet and this may cause them to ignore minor cuts or abrasions on their hands and feet.
The wounds may become infected and difficult to treat and for this reason diabetic patients, and especially elderly ones, should have their feet examined at least once in every 3 months by a professional.
3.
Hidden sugar sources - before giving anything supplemental or medicinal to a diabetic patient it is very important to consult the patient's physician.
Some substances have high concentrations of sugars that are not good for diabetics such as over the counter cough syrups, dietary supplements and glucosamine.
4.
Vaccinations - A person will diabetics is likely to have an immune system that is slightly depressed as compared to that of a healthy individual's.
For this reason they are more vulnerable to infections and so it is of key importance that their vaccinations be kept up to date especially Td vaccine (tetanus-diptheria), pneumovax (pneumonia) and influenza vaccine.
5.
Trips to the ophthalmologist - high levels of sugar in the blood can affect some of the more minute blood vessels of the eye and this can lead to poor vision.
This can be especially problematic for older patients and so a diabetic person should be taken to the ophthalmologist regularly so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
While the condition is a delicate one, if you have somebody who knows how to care for diabetic needs in particular, leading a healthy and normal life is made possible.
The following are 5 practical and easy ways to care for somebody who is a diabetic.
1.
Low blood sugar - Although the need for medications in most elderly diabetic patients decreases with progressing age, older individuals are at a higher risk of hyperglycemia which is a low glucose level in the blood.
This is because the diabetes has caused impairment in their kidney and liver function, making them more vulnerable to low glucose.
Look out for signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia such as dizziness, passing out, low energy and palpitations and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
2.
Podiatry care - diabetic patients often suffer from diminished sensation in their feet and this may cause them to ignore minor cuts or abrasions on their hands and feet.
The wounds may become infected and difficult to treat and for this reason diabetic patients, and especially elderly ones, should have their feet examined at least once in every 3 months by a professional.
3.
Hidden sugar sources - before giving anything supplemental or medicinal to a diabetic patient it is very important to consult the patient's physician.
Some substances have high concentrations of sugars that are not good for diabetics such as over the counter cough syrups, dietary supplements and glucosamine.
4.
Vaccinations - A person will diabetics is likely to have an immune system that is slightly depressed as compared to that of a healthy individual's.
For this reason they are more vulnerable to infections and so it is of key importance that their vaccinations be kept up to date especially Td vaccine (tetanus-diptheria), pneumovax (pneumonia) and influenza vaccine.
5.
Trips to the ophthalmologist - high levels of sugar in the blood can affect some of the more minute blood vessels of the eye and this can lead to poor vision.
This can be especially problematic for older patients and so a diabetic person should be taken to the ophthalmologist regularly so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
