At-Home Nursing Care Plan for Diabetes: Things You Must Know

Diabetes affects far more people than most people realise. According to 2022 statistics, it affects at least 25.2 million people in India. In fact, the true number of diabetics may be even higher. However, unless we know someone who has diabetes, most of us are often unaware of its prevalence.

Diabetes attitudes have shifted over time, as have our understanding and treatment options. Many nursing care plan for diabetes are available for download as a resource for caregivers, nurses, and doctors.

IS A NURSING CARE PLAN FOR DIABETES IMPORTANT?

When someone close to you develops diabetes, you realise how much there is to learn about this mysterious and perplexing disease. Furthermore, many people believe that diabetes only affects children. In fact, the vast majority of diabetics are over the age of 65 and have a type of diabetes that develops gradually later in life. Diabetes, at this age, brings with it a slew of other health issues and complications.

A nursing care plan for diabetes pdf is essential for anyone who is close to or caring for someone with diabetes. It provides insight into the potential situations that may arise when caring for diabetic patients through the use of practical information and management advice.

8 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CREATING A NURSING CARE PLAN FOR DIABETES PDF

• The Type of Diabetes

This is critical because it will help you avoid serious health complications. And it will play a significant role in your daily life as a caregiver for someone with diabetes. People can be affected by one of two types of diabetes.

• Type 1

It usually appears suddenly as the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin stop working and no insulin is produced. Insulin injections are required for people with type 1 diabetes.

• Type 2

This type typically affects people as they age. It manifests gradually as the pancreas produces less insulin or the insulin produced performs less effectively.

• Healthy Eating Diet Plan

Diabetes can be controlled by eating well. The solution is to eat the right foods, such as filling carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.

• High fibre Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are so important in diabetes diets that they should be included in every meal. Plan regular meals that include starchy foods high in fibre, such as wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, jacket potatoes, and wholemeal chapatis.

• Fruit and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which are all necessary for a healthy diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of a variety of serious health issues, including cancer and heart disease.

• Avoid Sugary Foods

Sweets and sugary soft drinks cause a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Diabetes patients should try to avoid these, especially if they are overweight. Confectionary foods labelled as "diabetic" are made with bulk sweeteners like sorbitol or isomalt, both of which are harmful.

• Getting the Right Blood Glucose Levels

The key to diabetes management is finding the right balance between the amount of glucose in the blood and the amount of insulin required to transport the glucose from the blood into the cells of the body, where it is used for energy.

• Sugary and starchy foods, infection and illness, and some prescribed drugs all raise blood glucose levels.

• Skipping a meal, exercise, alcohol, insulin, and certain tablets all lower blood glucose levels.

• Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels at Home

Urine and blood glucose testing can be used to monitor diabetes control. Most diabetics test their own blood glucose levels at home on a regular basis by pricking their finger and testing the blood on a special strip. Electronic machines that provide an automatic reading are also available. Inquire with the nurse about the best machine to use.

• Risk of Related Health Complications 

When someone has diabetes, there is always the possibility of developing health complications. If diabetes is not properly managed, this is more likely. Diabetes can sometimes damage the large and small blood vessels, causing tissue damage. Some potential risks include heart disease and failure, high blood pressure, stroke, foot problems, eye problems, kidney damage, and so on.

• Tablets to Keep Diabetes Controlled

Every diabetic is unique, with a unique medical history and lifestyle, so ask your doctor to design an individualised treatment plan for you. Many diabetics use a combination of medications to help them maintain a healthy blood glucose level throughout the day.

Tablet dosage and timing can be quite complicated. An elderly diabetic may become confused or forgetful about meals and medication. If you are caring for someone in this situation, try to establish a simple routine of eating meals and taking medications that is easy to remember and adhere to.

• How to Inject & Dispose Insulin Injections

Some people are so concerned about having multiple injections that they try to avoid taking insulin for as long as possible. If you need to inject someone you care about, do so quickly and smoothly.

• To inject, select an area such as the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or stomach.

• Make certain that the skin is clean.

• To inject the syringe, pinch up the skin slightly.

• The needle should be inserted at a 90° angle into the fatty tissue beneath the skin.

• After removing the needle, gently wipe the spot with a piece of cotton wool to remove the small spot of blood.

• Essential Foot Care

Diabetes patients are more likely to develop foot problems. Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for an older person with diabetes to be admitted to the hospital is foot problems. Poor circulation can lead to foot problems. When there is insufficient blood flow to the feet, injuries heal more slowly and it is more difficult to fight off infections.

• Be Prepared for Emergency

When caring for someone with diabetes, you must be aware of what to do if their blood glucose level falls dangerously low. Regardless of how well a person manages their diabetes, there will be times when their blood glucose level becomes too high or too low, and you must know what to do.

As soon as you notice the signs, consume some sugary food or drink; everything will be fine. Fast-acting glucose tablets or hypostop gel are available from a chemist. Make sure there are some around the house, and that the person you are caring for has some with them at all times.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes affects everyone differently, so no one can predict how the person you care for will fare. Diabetes as a disease is quite unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared at all times. Maintain a healthy diet and medication regimen to keep things under control. Visit your doctor on a regular basis and keep a comprehensive nursing care plan for diabetes on hand at all times.