How to Care for a Loved One Living with Diabetes
World Diabetes Day is on 14th November, and this month is all about raising awareness of this complex condition. If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, you will be used to blood sugar monitoring and the importance of healthy eating. However, it’s also important not to overlook fluids, foot care and exercise. We share a guide to show families how to care for a loved one living with diabetes.
There are various types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy. But there are various other forms of diabetes that can develop due to medical conditions, including the little-known type 3C (pancreatic disorder). Type 1 and type 2 are the most common forms, and we explain the differences.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is where someone doesn’t produce enough insulin, and this affects how the body manages blood sugar levels. According to Diabetes UK, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown and there’s ongoing research to determine why this develops.
It’s usually diagnosed in children or young adults, but it can develop at a later age for some people. This type of diabetes is where insulin-producing cells in the pancreas stop working and management includes insulin injections.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin, which causes glucose to build up in people’s blood. This condition is linked to obesity, and some people have reversed their type 2 diabetes by losing weight. However, certain ethnicities are at greater risk, and if you have a family member with this condition. Healthcare providers supply type 2 diabetes sufferers with glucose monitors to check their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Care of Feet and Body
Diabetes care includes staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Typical medication includes metformin and insulin. Diabetes has a physical impact on the body and even a small cut can be dangerous for people’s feet.
Many people are unaware that regular footcare is essential when managing diabetes. Feet are affected by diabetes because of decreased blood flow and the risk of nerve damage and ulcers. People living with diabetes often visit a podiatrist or chiropractor on a regular basis.
If you are living with diabetes, then you will need to inspect your feet daily. If you are checking a loved one’s foot, then look for any redness, swelling, blisters, cracks or cuts. It’s important to keep the blood flowing through regular movement and foot massages. Never use heat pads, electric blankets or hot water bottles on diabetes sufferers’ feet as this can be dangerous. Avoid getting their feet wet in rainfall or snow as there’s a higher risk of damage.
Diabetes Care Plan – Caremark Warwick
Caremark Warwick supports people in their own homes with flexible home care and live-in care for 24/7 support within the home. If your loved one has diabetes, then our team will liaise closely with your family to ensure they have a bespoke care plan in place. Our Care Assistants are fully trained and can provide personalised care and assistance with medication to ensure this condition is managed correctly. They can also provide families with advice about how to care for a loved one living with Diabetes.
“Caremark have been providing me with care three times a day for over a year now and it’s been a brilliant experience…the carers who visit me are not only very polite and professional but also friendly, kind and frequently fun. They make my life more enjoyable as well as helping me with my physical needs. The office team are also very helpful to me whenever I ask for scheduling changes and its always easy to contact them, even out of hours. I would not swap them for another care provider. I am totally happy with Caremark.”
A C (Client)
About Caremark Warwick
Want to learn more about our diabetes care in Warwick? Get in touch to discover how we can support you or a loved one.