DIABETES
Instructed patient about possible causes of hypoglycemia such as too much insulin, not enough food, and overexertion or GI disturbance.
Instructed patient on possible causes of hyperglycemia such as too little insulin, too much or the wrong kind of food, infection, injury, illness, decreased activity.
Instructed patient about proper storage and disposal of equipment: checking expiration date, keeping spare bottle in refrigerator, not changing the brand, match syringe type.
Instructed patient on how to properly use testing strips: wash hands with lukewarm water and mild soap, stick side of finger (not the tip), dry finger well before procedure, change fingers every test, and use the thinnest lancet, as that will give you the best drop of blood.
Instructed patient on the use of home glucose monitor to ensure accuracy of results.
Instructed patient about basic tips to help prevent infections in people with diabetes: wear shoes or slippers at all times, wear comfortable shoes; get used to new shoes slowly and always wear 'heavy' soft cotton socks.
Instructed patient about the importance of avoiding getting sick. Seasonal viruses such as common cold, flu and other illnesses may cause DM episodes to increase in frequency and severity.
Instructed patient to contact doctor if any of the following occur: an illness lasting one or two days without improvement; vomiting/diarrhea that continue longer than 6 hours, blood tests that continue to run higher that 240 after taking medications, S/S of high blood sugar.
Instructed patient to avoid alcohol consumption while taking DM medications as it may cause dangerous reactions.
Instructed patient on monitoring DM, for example: testing blood sugar levels at least 3 times a day.
