DIABETES
Diseases Process
SN taught patient about importance of exercise with diabetes. For most people with diabetes, exercise is very important. Exercise helps your body use sugar better. As a result, your blood glucose level goes down. An exercise plan can be as simple as taking a walk every day. Get a friend to walk with you. When you do things with a buddy, it’s easier. You’ll be less tempted to skip a day. Before you start an exercise program, talk to your doctor. Exercise tends to lower blood glucose level, so your doctor may need to make some changes to your management plan.
SN instructed patient on diabetes and nutrition. If you take diabetes pills or insulin, your meal plan should have about the same number of calories every day. Meals should be spaced throughout the day. It’s important not to skip meals or “double up” on meals. A dietitian can help with your meal plan. The dietitian will take into account your schedule and foods you like and dislike. Each person is different, so every meal plan is different.
SN taught patient on diabetes. To control your blood glucose level, you must have healthy eating habits. A healthy diet has other benefits too. Healthy eating can lead to weight loss. Losing small amounts of weight can often make a big difference in your health. Healthy eating can improve your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diabetes can dry out your skin. That means you could get injured more easily, be more likely to get an infection, and take longer to heal. When you bathe or shower, use warm water, and a mild, moisturizing soap. After washing and drying off, use a mild lotion to prevent dry skin. Avoid scratching dry skin, apply moisturizer instead.
Instructed in storage and disposal of equipment: check expiration date, keep spare bottle in refrigerator, do not change brand, match syringe type.
Instructed in visiting an ophthalmologist, an MD who specializes in eye care inmediately if there are any of these symptoms of eye damage: blurred or double vision, narrowed field of vision, seeing dark spots, feeling of pressure or pain in the eyes and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Instructed that alcohol may lower glucose levels and therefore should be avoided.
Instructed in how to list possible causes of high blood sugars: excess food, insufficient insulin, lack of exercise, stress, infection or fever.
Instructed in how to recognize signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, headache, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, etc.
Instructed in knowing what to do if symptoms of high blood sugar occur: contact physician or go to emergency room.
