Home Healthcare Services For Diabetic Managment
If you have diabetes, it is essential that you maintain tight control over your blood sugar levels. Poorly managed diabetes can increase your risk for complications such as dangerous spikes in your blood sugar levels, cardiovascular problems, and kidney disease. There are various steps you need to take in order to ensure healthy blood sugar levels, however, if you are unable to self-manage your condition, you may need help. Here are some ways a home healthcare services professional can help you properly manage your diabetes to help ensure that your blood sugar levels remain within normal limits to enhance your health.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Blood glucose levels need to be monitored throughout the day so that your levels can be assessed for changes in response to your diet, medications, stress levels, and activity levels. Your home healthcare services provider can monitor your blood glucose levels properly and make sure that your glucose meter is clean and operating properly. They will clean your fingertip and then prick it with a lancet.
A drop of blood will be placed on a special test strip and then the strip will be properly placed inside the glucose meter. After a couple of seconds, your blood sugar reading should appear on the meter. In addition, the home healthcare services provider will make sure that all lancets and bandages are properly disposed of and that your glucose monitor is cleaned and ready for use once again.
Insulin Administration
You may be unable to self-administer your insulin as a result of poor eyesight, mobility problems, or pain in your hands, however, it is essential that you receive your prescribed dose as instructed by your physician. Your home healthcare services provider can administer your subcutaneous insulin injections properly and make sure that the needle only reaches the subcutaneous depth (under the skin) as opposed to reaching deeper into the muscle. Injecting insulin directly into the muscle tissue may result in the insulin acting too fast.
Your caregiver will also monitor the effects of your insulin. If you experience any adverse reactions such as excessive sweating, nausea, confusion, or changes in your level of consciousness, they will call your doctor or make sure that you get emergency medical attention.
If you have diabetes and are unable to manage your condition on your own, consider hiring a home healthcare services professional. When your diabetes is well-managed, episodes of abnormal blood glucose levels may decrease and you may be less likely to experience diabetic neuropathy from poor circulation and diabetic retinopathy, a serious diabetes-related eye disease.