Diabetes Management
Diabetes is a serious and chronic disease that occurs when the body does not have the ability to produce insulin, or enough insulin, to metabolize glucose.¹ There is no known cure for the disease but research continues to make progress. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 25.8 million children and adults in the United States. For people over the age of 65 years old, 10.9 million, or 26.9%, have been diagnosed with the disease. Early diagnosis is important so appropriate diabetic care and management can be initiated. Some complications include heart disease and stroke(68%), high blood pressure(67%), blindness(4.4%), kidney disease, nervous system disease (neuropathy)(60%-70%), and amputation.² In order to reduce the complications listed above, management of this disease is essential. Modern day approaches to diabetes primarily rely upon dietary and lifestyle management, often combined with regular ongoing blood glucose level monitoring.³
Common Conditions or Diagnosis for Diabetes Program
Diagnosis of Diabetes Type I or Type II
Diabetes with Polyneuropathy
-Decreased or Funny Sensations -Weakness
Diabetic Retinopathy
-Changes in Vision
Our Interdisciplinary Approach
Skilled Nursing
Complete History and Physical Assessment Medication Review and Teaching
Nutrition and Diet Education Blood Sugar Monitoring and Teaching
Disease Process Teaching Skin Assessment and Skin Care Education
Wound Care (if needed) Insulin Injection Implementation and Compliance
Educational Tools for Patient and Caregiver
Physical Therapy
Complete Therapy Assessment Strength and ROM Assessment
Sensory & Proprioception Assessment Ambulation and Balance Assessment
Neurological Testing Strengthening and Conditioning
Home Safety Evaluation Patient /Caregiver Education
Equipment Evaluation and Proper Use
Occupational Therapy
Complete OT Assessment ADL’s Retraining
Work Modification Visual Acuity Assessment and Re-training
Home Health Aide
Grooming and Bathing Assistance Light Housekeeping Pertaining to Patient Care Area
¹ 2011, National Diabetes Education Program
² 2011, American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Statistics
³ 2011, Diabetes Management, Wikipedia