Palermi S, et al. Chronic Diabetws in Rural America Self-care plans for diabetes management topic mwnagement Eye health the latest news, events, resources, and funding related to diabetes, as well as a comprehensive overview of related issues. In the process of delivering adequate support healthcare providers should not blame the patients even when their compliance is poor[ 49 ].

Self-care plans for diabetes management -

My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to manage diabetes. Medically reviewed by Maria Prelipcean, M. Self-monitoring Healthy weight Nutrition Exercise Stop smoking Take medication regularly Takeaway While there is no cure for diabetes, with treatment and self-management strategies, a person can live a long and healthy life.

Share on Pinterest People can self-monitor their diabetes with a blood glucose meter. Maintain a healthy weight. Get good nutrition. Exercise regularly. Share on Pinterest Regular exercise may help control blood sugar levels.

Stop smoking. Take medication regularly. Share on Pinterest A person should take their diabetes medication as prescribed to prevent further complications.

How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried?

Scientists discover biological mechanism of hearing loss caused by loud noise — and find a way to prevent it. How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome.

Related Coverage. How to control type 2 diabetes Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD. How do you prevent type 2 diabetes?

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. How to treat diabetes. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. Ways to prevent gestational diabetes. Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH. Oral antidiabetic agents may include:. Second-Generation Sulfonylureas [glipizide Glucotrol , glimepiride Amaryl , glyburide Diabeta ] Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas.

They improve binding insulin to receptors and may increase number of insulin receptors. They are indicated as adjunct to diet and exercise MNT. They are more potent than first-generation sulfonylureas and can be used in combination with metformin or insulin to improve glucose control.

Biguanides [metformin Glucophage ] Biguanides decreased the product and increases the uptake of glucose in the liver. It is effective in lowering blood glucose and does not cause hypoglycemia as the sulfonylureas do. It has been associated with development of lactic acidosis and GI distress and long term use may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors [acarbose Precose , miglitol Glyset ] inhibit alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down glucose for absorption. Therefore, they delay the absorption of glucose.

They have only a mild effect on glucose levels and do not enhance insulin secretion. They are associated with severe hepatic toxicity and GI distress. Non-Sulfonylurea Insulin Secretagogues [repaglinide Prandin , nateglinide Starlix ] Stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin.

It can be used alone or in combination with metformin to improve control of glucose. Thiazolidinediones or Glitazones [pioglitazone Actos , rosiglitazone Avandia ] Decreases insulin resistance by sensitizing the body to insulin and by stimulating insulin receptor sites to lower blood glucose and improve action of insulin.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 DPP-4 Inhibitors [sitagliptin Januvia , saxagliptin Onglyza , linagliptin Tradjenta ] Slows the breakdown of GLP-1 to prolong the effects of increased insulin secretion, decreased glucagon secretion, and slowed GI emptying ultimately producing improved glucose control.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonist GLP-1 [liraglutide Victoza , dulaglutide Trulicity ] Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and exhibit other antihyperglycemic actions following their release into the circulation from the gastrointestinal tract.

They may also lead to weight loss but can have side effects such as pancreatitis, diarrhea , nausea, and vomiting. Not suitable for patients with type 1 diabetes. Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 SGL-2 Inhibitors [dapagliflozin Forxiga , canagliflozin Invokana ] Increases urinary glucose excretion and lowers the renal threshold for glucose.

It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease and type 2 DM. This drug improves glycemic control by decreasing glucose concentration in the blood through increased urinary excretion and reduced renal absorption of glucose.

Educate the patient about the complementary nature of oral antidiabetic agents with other treatment modalities, such as medical nutrition therapy MNT and exercise.

Reinforcing the importance of a comprehensive approach to diabetes management encourages the patient to adhere to a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity, which can enhance the effectiveness of oral antidiabetic agents.

Hyperglycemia resulting from these conditions may require temporary discontinuation of oral antidiabetic agents and initiation of insulin therapy. Regular monitoring helps detect any fluctuations in blood glucose levels and informs appropriate medication adjustments.

Provide education on insulin therapy and its potential use in combination with oral agents, particularly for newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes who have symptomatic hyperglycemia and high blood glucose and A1C levels.

Some patients may require insulin therapy as an adjunct to oral antidiabetic agents to achieve glycemic targets.

Educating the patient about insulin therapy helps alleviate any fears or misconceptions they may have and promotes acceptance and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen. Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up visits and laboratory tests to evaluate the effectiveness of oral antidiabetic agents and make necessary adjustments.

Regular follow-up visits and laboratory tests enable healthcare providers to modify the treatment plan as needed. Encourage the patient to report any adverse effects or changes in symptoms related to oral antidiabetic agents promptly. Early identification and management of adverse effects or changes in symptoms associated with oral antidiabetic agents are essential to prevent complications and optimize treatment outcomes.

Open communication encourages patients to seek timely medical assistance when needed. Proper nutrition and meal planning are essential for diabetes management. Educating patients about healthy food choices, portion control, and balanced meals can help them achieve and maintain optimal blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and blood pressure.

Calculations based on age, gender, height, and weight help determine the baseline caloric intake required for weight maintenance and overall health. This individualized approach supports accurate calorie control and ensures nutritional adequacy. Factoring in physical activity provides a more accurate estimation of energy needs and supports the patient in achieving their weight goals.

Subtract to calories from the daily total to promote a safe and gradual weight loss. To promote a 1- to 2-pound weight loss per week, a calorie deficit of to calories is recommended. This approach supports gradual weight loss, which is associated with better long-term success and reduces the risk of adverse effects.

Simplify meal planning information and provide opportunities for practice and repetition. Some aspects of meal planning, such as using food exchange systems, may be challenging for patients due to intellectual limitations or emotional barriers.

Simplifying information and providing opportunities for practice and repetition can enhance patient understanding and proficiency in meal planning techniques. This approach helps patients develop confidence and competence in managing their dietary choices and fosters long-term adherence.

Balancing the distribution of macronutrients is crucial for maintaining optimal nutrition and supporting blood glucose control. Educate the patient about the recommended percentages of calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Providing education on the recommended caloric distribution helps patients understand the importance of balancing macronutrients in their diet. By educating patients about the recommended percentages of calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, nurses empower patients to make informed dietary choices that support blood glucose control, lipid management, and overall health.

Highlight the importance of increased fiber intake for improved blood glucose levels and other health benefits. Increased fiber intake plays a significant role in improving blood glucose levels, lowering cholesterol, and promoting satiety. Educating patients about the benefits of fiber-rich foods, such as legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, encourages their inclusion in the meal plan and supports overall dietary and health goals.

Gradually increase fiber intake in consultation with a dietitian to prevent adverse effects. Sudden increases in fiber intake can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and require adjustments in dosage of insulin or antidiabetic agents to prevent hypoglycemia.

Gradually increasing fiber intake in consultation with a dietitian allows for proper monitoring and adjustment of the meal plan to mitigate potential adverse effects. Educate patients about the use of exchange lists for meal planning. Exchange lists are a commonly used tool in nutritional management for individuals with diabetes.

Educating patients about the concept of exchange lists helps them understand how foods can be organized into groups with similar characteristics, such as calorie content and macronutrient composition.

This knowledge enables patients to create a well-balanced meal plan that maintains consistency in nutrient intake while providing variety in food choices. You can learn more about the Food Exchange List here. Teach patients how to read nutrition labels and understand carbohydrate content. Reading food labels is an essential skill for patients with diabetes when shopping for food.

Understanding the carbohydrate content of foods listed on nutrition labels allows patients to make informed choices and accurately determine the amount of medication needed, particularly for those who require premeal insulin.

Explain the concept of carbohydrate counting and its flexibility in food choices. Carbohydrate counting is a popular nutritional tool used for blood glucose management in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Educating patients about carbohydrate counting helps them understand that carbohydrates have the most significant impact on blood glucose levels.

This approach provides flexibility in food choices while maintaining blood glucose control. By incorporating carbohydrate counting into their meal planning, patients can achieve more accurate insulin management and maintain a balanced diet. Educate patients about healthy food choices, portion control, and serving sizes.

Encouraging patients to make healthy food choices and practice portion control is important for achieving and maintaining blood glucose control and weight management.

Teaching patients to measure servings or choices, such as using standard portion sizes or the MyPlate Food Guide, helps them understand appropriate portion sizes for different food groups. This approach can promote balanced nutrition, supports portion control, and simplifies meal planning for patients who may find more complicated systems challenging.

Discuss the concept of the glycemic index and its potential impact on blood glucose levels. The glycemic index measures how much a particular food increases blood glucose levels compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Educating patients about the glycemic index helps them understand how different foods affect their blood glucose levels.

Encourage patients to monitor their blood glucose levels after consuming specific foods to create their own glycemic index. Monitoring blood glucose levels after eating specific foods allows patients to assess the individual impact of those foods on their blood glucose control.

This personalized approach empowers patients to make dietary adjustments based on their own glycemic response. By using this information, patients can modify their meal plans and insulin doses accordingly, leading to improved blood glucose control and individualized diabetes management.

Emphasize consistent meal timing and portion control. Consistency in meal timing and portion control helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Patients should be educated on the importance of regular meals and the distribution of caloric intake throughout the day. Avoiding skipped meals prevents glucose fluctuations and excessive demands on the pancreas. Support patients in implementing lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and increased physical activity, are integral to diabetes management.

Nurses play a vital role in providing support, motivation, and education to help patients adopt and sustain these changes.

Encourage weight loss and maintenance. Weight management is particularly important for obese patients with diabetes. Losing weight can improve blood glucose control and reduce the need for medication. There is also substantial evidence indicating that managing obesity can significantly delay the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes and provides significant benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Nurses should emphasize the significance of weight loss, provide guidance on healthy weight loss strategies, and offer ongoing support. Address emotional issues and provide psychological support related to dietary changes. Some patients may struggle with emotional issues, such as accepting the diagnosis of diabetes or experiencing feelings of deprivation and restriction in eating.

Providing psychological support and addressing these concerns helps patients navigate the emotional aspects of meal planning. Provide behavioral therapy and ongoing nutrition counseling.

Consistently following a meal plan and maintaining weight loss can be challenging. Behavioral therapy, group support, and ongoing nutrition counseling can help patients incorporate new dietary habits into their lifestyles and sustain positive changes. Collaborate with a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians specialize in medical nutrition therapy MNT for diabetes management.

Reinforce the role of the nurse in communicating relevant information to the dietitian and promoting patient understanding. Effective communication between the nurse and the dietitian facilitates a coordinated and individualized approach to meal planning.

Educate patients about the importance of consistent eating habits and the relationship between food and insulin. Consistency in the amount of calories and carbohydrates ingested at each meal is crucial for patients requiring insulin to control blood glucose levels.

Educating patients about this relationship helps them understand the impact of food on insulin requirements and blood glucose control.

It empowers patients to make informed choices about their meal timings and contents, fostering better glucose management. Emphasize the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption.

Educate patients about the potential adverse effects of alcohol specific to diabetes. Moderation is crucial when it comes to alcohol consumption for patients with diabetes.

Educating patients about the recommended limits for alcohol intake helps them understand the need to consume alcoholic beverages in controlled quantities.

By promoting moderation, nurses assist patients in minimizing the potential negative impact of alcohol on their diabetes management.

Caution patients about the risk of hypoglycemia associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly for patients taking insulin or insulin secretagogues. Educating patients about the potential effects of alcohol on blood glucose levels helps them understand the importance of consuming food along with alcohol to prevent hypoglycemia.

By providing this information, nurses empower patients to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and take appropriate measures to prevent hypoglycemia. Encourage patients to incorporate food intake along with alcohol consumption. Consuming food along with alcohol can help reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

By advising patients to have a meal or snack when consuming alcohol, nurses help ensure that patients maintain stable blood glucose levels. However, it is important to note that carbohydrates consumed with alcohol may raise blood glucose levels. Providing this guidance helps patients strike a balance and make informed choices regarding food intake when consuming alcohol.

Discuss the potential impact of alcohol on weight, hyperlipidemia , and glucose levels. Alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and elevated glucose levels.

Educating patients about the potential effects of alcohol on these aspects of their health helps them understand the importance of moderation and incorporating alcohol calories into their overall meal plan.

Educate patients about lower-calorie or less-sweet drink options. Recommending lower-calorie or less-sweet drink options, such as light beer or dry wine, helps patients make choices that align with their diabetes management goals.

Educate patients about artificial sweeteners, including their types and use and emphasize moderation in sweetener use to avoid potential adverse effects. Encouraging patients to use sweeteners in moderation helps prevent potential negative consequences. By promoting mindful consumption, patients can avoid excessive intake and maintain a balanced diet.

Explaining the distinction between nutritive e. Address potential side effects of certain sweeteners, such as sorbitol. Informing patients about potential side effects, such as the laxative effect of sorbitol-containing sweeteners, enables them to make decisions regarding the use of these products.

Patients can monitor their individual tolerance and adjust their intake accordingly. By clarifying that these foods should not be consumed in unlimited quantities, patients can manage their blood glucose levels more effectively and prevent potential spikes.

Regular exercise is essential in diabetes management as it helps lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin utilization, and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Regular exercise is highly beneficial for individuals with diabetes. By encouraging patients to engage in regular exercise, nurses promote the importance of physical activity in managing blood glucose levels, reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Provide guidelines for exercise frequency and duration. Guidelines for exercise frequency and duration help patients establish a structured exercise routine. By specifying three times per week with no more than two consecutive days without exercise, patients can maintain consistency in their exercise regimen, which contributes to better blood glucose control and overall fitness.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following guidelines for physical activity:. Educate adults with type 2 diabetes about the significance of reducing sedentary behavior and interrupting prolonged sitting every 30 minutes for blood glucose benefits.

It is recommended for all adults, especially those with type 2 diabetes, to reduce sedentary behavior and interrupt prolonged sitting every 30 minutes for blood glucose benefits.

Older adults with diabetes should incorporate flexibility and balance training times per week, with options such as yoga and tai chi. Individuals with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes should evaluate their baseline physical activity and sedentary time, aiming to increase non sedentary activities above their baseline.

Discuss the benefits of exercise and weight loss for individuals with type 2 diabetes. For individuals with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese, engaging in exercise alongside dietary management offers multiple benefits, including improved glucose metabolism and enhanced body fat loss.

Exercise coupled with weight loss improves insulin sensitivity and may decrease the need for insulin or oral antidiabetic agents. Educating patients on the potential positive outcomes of exercise and weight loss encourages them to incorporate physical activity as part of their diabetes management plan.

Emphasize the importance of a gradual increase in exercise duration. A slow and gradual increase in the duration of exercise sessions is recommended to prevent excessive strain or injury. Allowing the patient to gradually build endurance and fitness levels over time, the nurse can promote safe and sustainable exercise habits.

Recommend walking as a safe and accessible form of exercise. Walking is a low-impact and easily accessible form of exercise that can be performed by most individuals with diabetes. It requires no special equipment other than proper shoes and can be incorporated into daily routines.

By recommending walking, nurses provide patients with a practical and feasible exercise option that can be sustained long-term. Encourage patients to discuss an exercise program with their primary healthcare provider and undergo a medical evaluation.

Before initiating an exercise program, it is important for patients to consult with their primary healthcare provider and undergo a medical evaluation.

Assess blood glucose and ketone levels before initiating exercise. Monitoring blood glucose and ketone levels before exercise is crucial for patients with diabetes. Exercising with elevated blood glucose levels can further increase blood glucose levels, potentially leading to hyperglycemia and other complications.

Educate patients on pre-exercise carbohydrate snacks for insulin-treated individuals. Patients who require insulin should be taught to consume a g carbohydrate snack or a snack of complex carbohydrates with protein before engaging in moderate exercise.

This pre-exercise snack helps prevent unexpected hypoglycemia by providing the necessary fuel for physical activity and counteracting the potential decrease in circulating insulin during exercise. Provide instructions on managing post-exercise hypoglycemia for patients taking insulin.

Hypoglycemia can occur hours after exercise in patients taking insulin. To prevent post-exercise hypoglycemia, patients may need to consume a snack at the end of the exercise session and at bedtime, as well as monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently.

Patients who are capable, knowledgeable, and responsible can learn to adjust their insulin doses in collaboration with a diabetes educator. Others require specific instructions on managing their blood glucose levels during and after exercise.

Educate patients on regular blood glucose monitoring during extended periods of exercise. Patients taking insulin and engaging in extended periods of exercise should monitor their blood glucose levels before, during, and after the exercise period.

This monitoring helps them adjust their carbohydrate intake to maintain blood glucose levels within the target range. It is important for others involved in exercise activities to be aware that the person exercising has diabetes.

By informing exercise participants and observers, they can provide appropriate assistance in case of severe hypoglycemia. This promotes a safe exercise environment and ensures that prompt action can be taken if a diabetes-related emergency occurs.

Provide education on exercise considerations for patients with diabetic complications. Patients with diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, autonomic neuropathy, sensorimotor neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease, may require modifications in their exercise regimen.

Educate patient with diabetes on the importance of proper footwear and protective equipment. Wearing appropriate footwear and protective equipment reduces the risk of injuries during exercise.

This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, as they may have reduced sensation in their lower extremities due to peripheral neuropathy. By emphasizing the use of proper footwear and protective equipment, nurses help prevent foot injuries and promote safety during exercise.

Advise patients to meticulously inspect their feet daily after exercise. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of foot complications.

By instructing patients to inspect their feet daily after exercise, nurses promote early detection of any foot abnormalities, such as blisters or wounds. Timely identification and appropriate management of foot issues can prevent the development of serious complications, such as foot ulcers.

Provide recommendations for avoiding exercise in extreme weather conditions and periods of poor metabolic control. Extreme heat or cold can pose risks to individuals with diabetes during exercise.

Additionally, exercising during periods of poor metabolic control may lead to unstable blood glucose levels.

By advising patients to avoid exercise in extreme weather conditions and during periods of poor metabolic control, nurses promote patient safety and help maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Assess the physical capacity and functional limitations of older adults with diabetes before initiating an exercise program. Older adults may have specific physical limitations, chronic conditions, or age-related changes that need to be considered when planning an exercise program.

Assessing their physical capacity and functional abilities helps determine appropriate exercises and adaptations to ensure safety and optimize the benefits of physical activity. Develop an individualized exercise plan that includes low-impact activities, balance exercises, and flexibility training.

Older adults may have reduced joint mobility , balance issues, and age-related musculoskeletal changes that require modifications in exercise programming. Including low-impact activities e. Emphasize the importance of gradual progression and frequent rest breaks during exercise sessions.

Older adults may need more time to adapt and recover from exercise due to decreased stamina and reduced exercise tolerance. Encouraging gradual progression, such as increasing exercise duration or intensity in small increments, and incorporating frequent rest breaks during exercise sessions helps prevent overexertion, fatigue, and injury.

This approach supports older adults in safely building endurance and strength while minimizing the risk of adverse events. Provide education on the use of assistive devices and safe exercise techniques. Older adults may benefit from the use of assistive devices e. Teaching proper use of assistive devices and demonstrating safe exercise techniques help minimize the risk of falls, strains, and other injuries.

Incorporate social support and group activities for motivation and enjoyment. Older adults often thrive in supportive and socially engaging environments. Encouraging participation in group exercise classes, walking groups, or community-based programs fosters social interaction, motivation, and enjoyment.

The positive social aspect of exercise can enhance adherence and long-term commitment to regular physical activity among older adults with diabetes. Hyperglycemia is a common occurrence in hospitalized patients, particularly those admitted for the illness that led to hospitalization.

Several factors contribute to hyperglycemia, including changes in treatment regimen, medications such as corticosteroids, inadequate insulin therapy with IV dextrose, inappropriate insulin management, and mismatched timing of meals and insulin.

Nursing interventions play a crucial role in correcting these factors to prevent hyperglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly. Blood glucose monitoring is a vital sign and provides essential information for assessing glycemic control.

It helps identify hyperglycemia and informs the need for additional insulin doses. Obtain orders for extra doses of insulin when blood glucose levels are elevated. Blood glucose monitoring results inform nurses of the need for additional doses of insulin.

Administering additional doses of insulin at appropriate times helps manage hyperglycemia and promote glycemic control. Do not withhold insulin when blood glucose levels are within the normal range. Withholding insulin when blood glucose levels are normal can lead to hyperglycemia.

It is important to administer insulin consistently to maintain glycemic control. Test blood glucose levels before meals and administer insulin at that time. Administering insulin before meals, based on premeal blood glucose levels, helps prevent postprandial hyperglycemia and promotes a physiologic response to glucose intake.

Administer short-acting insulin to avoid postprandial hyperglycemia. Short-acting insulin is necessary to control blood glucose levels after meals, even in patients with normal pre-meal glucose levels. Administering it at the appropriate time ensures effective glycemic control.

Be cautious with the use of corticosteroids e. Corticosteroids can induce hyperglycemia, so close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential. Adjustments to insulin therapy may be necessary to maintain glycemic control.

Use normal saline NS as the preferred solution for IV antibiotics , if possible, to minimize dextrose infusion. Excessive infusion of dextrose through IV fluids can contribute to hyperglycemia.

Using NS as the diluent for IV antibiotics helps avoid this potential cause of elevated blood glucose levels. Avoid overly aggressive treatment of hypoglycemia. Aggressive treatment of hypoglycemia can lead to rebound hyperglycemia.

Managing hypoglycemia with appropriate measures prevents subsequent hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients is often attributed to excessive insulin administration or delays in eating.

Follow the established hospital protocol for treating hypoglycemia. Assess the pattern of glucose values and avoid repeated doses of insulin leading to hypoglycemia.

Adjustments in insulin therapy may be necessary to prevent recurrent hypoglycemia. Administer repeat treatments for hypoglycemia if the initial treatment does not sufficiently increase glucose levels, following the specified time interval e.

Repeat treatments allow for further correction of hypoglycemia if the initial intervention was insufficient. Limit successive doses of subcutaneous regular insulin to no more than every 3 to 4 hours.

Administering multiple doses of regular insulin in quick succession increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Adhering to appropriate dosing intervals helps maintain glycemic stability. Exercise caution when administering supplemental doses of regular insulin in patients receiving intermediate insulin before breakfast and dinner.

Careful consideration is needed when providing additional regular insulin doses in patients who are already receiving intermediate-acting insulin.

Timing and dosage adjustments should be made to prevent overlapping peaks and subsequent hypoglycemia. Arrange for snacks to be given if meals are delayed due to procedures, physical therapy, or other activities. Delayed food intake can contribute to hypoglycemia.

Providing snacks as needed helps maintain glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemic reactions in patients whose meals are delayed. Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, tremor, tachycardia, confusion , and changes in behavior.

Regular monitoring allows the nurse to detect early signs of hypoglycemia and intervene promptly to prevent complications. Immediate administration of carbohydrates helps restore blood glucose levels and alleviate hypoglycemic symptoms. Prepare and administer glucagon, as prescribed, in emergency situations when the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow.

Glucagon stimulates the liver to release stored glucose, rapidly increasing blood glucose levels. Administration of glucagon can be life-saving in severe hypoglycemia. Provide emotional support and reassurance to the patient during episodes of hypoglycemia, addressing any fears or concerns they may have.

Emotional support helps alleviate anxiety and encourages the patient to actively participate in their diabetes management. Educate the patient and their family or caregivers on recognizing and managing hypoglycemic episodes, including the use of fast-acting carbohydrates and glucagon.

Patient and caregiver education promotes awareness and empowers them to respond effectively to hypoglycemia, ensuring timely treatment. Educate the patient on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment. Early recognition of hypoglycemia allows for timely intervention and prevents the condition from worsening.

Prompt treatment helps restore blood glucose levels to a safe range, preventing complications and promoting patient well-being. Instruct the patient on the appropriate management of hypoglycemia with fast-acting sources of carbohydrate, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets.

Fast-acting carbohydrates quickly raise blood glucose levels, providing immediate relief from hypoglycemic symptoms. Patients need to be aware of the recommended sources of carbohydrates and the appropriate quantities to consume for effective management.

Teach patients and their families or caregivers about the use of glucagon in emergency situations when the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow. Glucagon is a life-saving hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose, raising blood glucose levels rapidly.

It is crucial for family members and caregivers to understand how to administer glucagon in emergency situations to ensure timely treatment.

Emphasize the importance of regular blood glucose monitoring, especially before driving or engaging in potentially dangerous activities. Regular blood glucose monitoring helps patients with diabetes assess their glycemic status and anticipate changes in insulin requirements.

It enables them to take appropriate actions to prevent hypoglycemia and maintain safe blood glucose levels.

Provide education on lifestyle factors that can contribute to hypoglycemia, such as meal timing, physical activity, and medication adherence.

Proper meal planning, adherence to medication schedules, and awareness of the impact of physical activity help patients prevent hypoglycemia.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Website Provides links to resources and tools to help communities develop, promote, implement and sustain diabetes self-management education and support DSMES programs.

Includes a DSMES toolkit, technical assistance guide, policies, reports, and several case studies. Diabetes Self-Management Program DSMP Website Describes the Stanford self-management model, an evidence-based program delivered by certified trainers, designed to improve diabetes self-management practices.

The trainers are non-health professionals who may have diabetes themselves and have completed the master training program.

Includes educational resources that supplement the program curriculum. Organization s : Self-Management Resource Center. My Diabetes Self-Management Goal Document A worksheet helpful to individuals when managing their diabetes and setting personal health goals.

Menu Search. Evidence-based Toolkits FORHP Funded Programs Economic Impact Analysis Tool Community Health Gateway Testing New Approaches Care Management Reimbursement.

In this Toolkit Modules 1: Introduction Diabetes Overview Rural Concerns Education and Care 2: Program Models Clinical Partnerships Model Self-Management Model Telehealth Model Community Health Worker Model School Model Faith-Based Model 3: Program Clearinghouse Mariposa Community Health Center Meadows Regional Medical Center Tri-County Health Network St.

Mary's Hospitals and Clinics St. Rural Health Tools for Success Evidence-based Toolkits Rural Diabetes Prevention and Management Toolkit 2: Program Models View more Self-Management Model Diabetes self-management refers to the activities and behaviors an individual undertakes to control and treat their condition.

Diabetes self-management typically occurs in the home and includes: Testing blood sugar glucose Consuming balanced meals and appropriate portion sizes Engaging in regular exercise Drinking water and avoiding dehydration Taking medications as prescribed Adjusting medications as needed Conducting self-foot checks Monitoring other signs or symptoms caused by diabetes People with diabetes can learn self-management skills through diabetes self-management education and support DSMES programs.

Examples of Rural Diabetes Self-Management Programs The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program CDSMP is a small-group workshop designed to address chronic conditions, including diabetes.

While Antioxidant supplements for healthy aging is no cure for diabetes, duabetes treatment and Self-care plans for diabetes management strategies, a person pland live a long and healthy manaegment. Eye health tips Eye health meal planning for diaberes, getting enough regular Sdlf-care or physical activity, avoiding smoking, and more. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. In the United States, 1. Diabetes also affects children and adolescents. Approximatelypeople younger than 20 in the country have diagnosed diabetes. The American Diabetes Association ADA note in guidelines that self-management and education are crucial aspects of diabetes care.

Video

DSMES: Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Amnagement with diabetes Self-cae challenging and requires significant effort to Self-care plans for diabetes management the condition effectively. ;lans with following a healthy diet, monitoring blood Self-care plans for diabetes management levels, managemeng adhering to the Satiety and meal satisfaction medication therapy, Self-care plans for diabetes management practices manafement Website performance optimization techniques crucial role Eye health diabetes management. In general, self-care refers to the deliberate and proactive steps you may take to care for your physical, emotional, and mental health. When it comes to diabetes management, self-care means developing knowledge and awareness by learning to live with the complex nature of the condition. Practices include exercise, healthy eating, stress reduction techniques, and more frequent tracking of your blood sugar levels. First, you need to be trained on how to manage your type of diabetes best.