DIABETES
Diseases Process
SN instructed patient and caregiver that exercise benefits people with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes by helping manage weight, by improving blood sugar levels, and by improving heart health. For a person with diabetes, exercise is just as important as diet and medication.
Patient was instructed on diabetes complications, such as kidney disease. Diabetes can damage the kidneys which not only can cause them to fail, but can also make them loose their ability to filter out waste products. This is called nephropathy.
Patient was instructed on complications of diabetes such as nerve damage. One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy means damage to the nerves that run throughout the body, connecting the spinal cord to muscles, skin, blood vessels and other organs.
Patient was instructed on diabetes with illness. Managing diabetes on a daily basis can be a challenge, but experiencing illness or an injury can add additional stress to the maintenance. When people with diabetes are sick with a cold, flu, or other infection, it can cause blood glucose levels to climb.
Patient was instructed on diabetes with injury. People who have diabetes are vulnerable to nerve and vascular damage that can result in loss of protective sensation in the feet, poor circulation, and poor healing of foot ulcers. Careful attention needs to be paid to any abrasion or wound to ensure the quickest healing possible. It is important for people with diabetes to routinely inspect feet, in particular, to check for any issues.
Patient was instructed on diabetes symptoms. People with diabetes who have had high blood sugar levels for long periods of time can develop complications, including: Damage to the eyes (retinopathy) which can lead to blindness. Damage to the nerves (neuropathy), which can lead to numbness, tingling or pain in the legs and arms. Damage to the kidneys (nephropathy), which can result in kidney failure.
Patient was instructed on diabetes symptoms. The initial symptoms of diabetes are related to high blood glucose levels. These symptoms include excessive urination, thirst and hunger, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections, especially of the skin.
Patient was instructed on diabetes symptoms. People with diabetes also are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the artery). Atherosclerosis can involve the heart (coronary heart disease), with symptoms of chest pain or heart attack. Brain (cerebrovascular disease), causing stroke. Arteries supplying the legs (peripheral vascular disease), causing leg pain while walking or exercising that stops quickly with rest.
SN instructed patient on diabetic diet:it is commonly thought that people with diabetes should avoid all forms of sugar. Most people with diabetes can eat foods containing sugar as long as the total amount of carbohydrates (carbs) for that meal or snack is consistent.Many research studies have shown that meals which contain sugar do not make the blood sugar rise higher than meals of equal carbohydrate levels which do not contain sugar. However, if the sugar-containing meal contains more carbs, the blood sugar levels will go up.
SN advised to patient / caregiver that blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to keep your diabetes under control. This check tells you your blood glucose level at any one time. Keeping a log of your results is vital. When you bring this record to your health care provider, he /she will have a good picture of your body's response to your diabetes care plan.
