Are you one of 38.4 million Americans who have diabetes? That number (from the NIH) includes people who may not even have a diabetes diagnosis!
Typical signs of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive thirst, unintended weight loss, fatigue, slow-healing sores, numbness or tingling, changes to skin, and blurred vision. These symptoms can suddenly occur or possibly be slowly happening for years.
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one has diabetes, it’s important to get checked out right away to avoid complications. A visit to your primary care provider is the best first step to learning about your risks, how to prevent them, or how to manage your condition best if you have it.
While most people think of type one and type two diabetes, four types can be diagnosed. One type of diabetes may even be reversible.
Types of Diabetes
There are four main types of diabetes. Type one, type two, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes, According to the WHO, is the most prevalent, and it accounts for 90-95% of all cases. Thankfully, more and more information is available on how to manage type two diabetes and possibly eliminate the need to use medications to treat it. Through diet and lifestyle changes, there is much hope for those facing type 2 diabetes.
Living with Diabetes
Successfully managing diabetes takes up a lot of time and energy. For anyone facing multiple chronic conditions, it may feel like a full-time job to stay ahead of possible complications. Improperly managed diabetes can create all kinds of additional symptoms, making the quality of life for those fighting it quite grim.
Long-term effects of unregulated diabetes can cause eye, heart, and kidney damage. Those with diabetes are also at a higher risk of amputations because of nerve damage and circulation problems.
Tips to Manage Your Diabetes
- Stay active
- Don’t smoke
- Eat healthy foods
- Follow a diabetic diet
- Get regular skin checks
- Take care of your feet
- Take your medications as prescribed
- See your doctor regularly
With age-related conditions or juggling multiple health issues, proper diabetes care can become very difficult. If you’re struggling to manage your care or spending more time in the ER and at the hospital due to complications, home health services could be the missing piece to help you feel like YOU again!
Home Healthcare Offers:
- RN visits to review/educate on medications, check vitals, & blood sugars
- Insulin injection & fingertip testing education
- Improving functional strength & mobility
- Glucose monitoring
- Diabetic foot exams, eye checks, & skin assessments
- Dietary consultations & education by a registered dietitian
- Coordination of appointments/services at home
- Smoking cessation resources
- Establishing daily activity/exercise goals
Patient Outcomes Include:
- Decrease your risks for additional health complications
- Improve your quality of life
- Maintain or regain your independence
- Reduce hospitalizations/visits to the ER
- Get back to feeling like YOU again
Paying for Home Health:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private insurance & private pay
Home health nurses can help you maintain your independence at home in the best way that works for you. With CaringEdge Home Health, YOU are at the center of your care plan, and our goal is to help you achieve your outcomes.
If you’re tired of frequent complications with your diabetes and visits to the emergency room, clinic, and hospital, the convenience of home health might be for you. Take control of your diabetes and health with CaringEdge today!