How to live a healthy and active life with diabetes

Sept. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- Houston, TX - “Stability and consistency”…we humans love consistency in our life; yet to our chagrin, change is the only sure thing.

The American Diabetes Association reports 23.1% of all Americans over the age of 60 have diabetes. Being diagnosed with diabetes will surely create change in a person's life. It can be an uncertain, scary, anxious time.

Diabetes can become a complicated matter if ignored or not cared for properly. $1.00 out of every $4.00 Medicare dollars are spent on diabetes related care (American Diabetes Association). Diabetes untreated, can cause several other conditions from eye problems to foot problems. It is important for the patient and the physician to work together to protect the patient's health.

One can live a healthy, active life and be a diabetic. However a good health team is needed. With the patient and physician as co-captains and a variety of diabetic health care disciplines on the team, together, they can create a “game plan”. A few well thought out changes in the patient's lifestyle.

It is important to build diabetic care on a strong foundation. The patient and physician may choose to use the resources of a home health agency to help manage the initial diabetic care.

Home Health Nurses are the linebackers on the team. They work with the Physician to help the patient understand the basics of diabetic care. From learning to test blood sugar levels and understanding the Physicians medication instructions, to how to inject their own insulin and learning the importance of a good foot massage (true!). The home health nurses want to help the patient understand how to take of themselves, manage their diabetic care and avoid possible pitfalls.

Very often, new diabetics experience a period of adjustment to the new medications. Blood sugar levels may become erratic. Home health nurses will help the patient to learn the difference between high blood sugar and low blood sugar. S/he will record these numbers for the patient or speak with the physician directly if medication needs adjusted. This improves the Physician's ability to nip potential problems before they get out of control.

The home health agency may also help arrange for transportation to physician appointments, if needed. They can also help to arrange for the delivery of necessary diabetic supplies.

When speaking of diabetes, change is a certainty. By working closely with the co-captain (the Physician), the team assembled, and having a game plan, patients can enjoy a consistent, active life. Diabetes can be managed.

For more information and links to Fidelity Care's social media, visit http://fidelitycare.nwhouston.com.

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