Diabetes

Helping you live independently with Diabetes at all stages of the condition

Diabetes is a common condition that affects blood sugar levels, whereby they become too high. The body should be able to break down glucose into energy, but if you suffer from diabetes, it is unable to do so. This is usually down to a lack of insulin or insulin not working properly. There are two different types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by ensuring you are at the correct body weight, and increasing exercise. There is nothing you can do to reduce type 1 diabetes though. Type 2 diabetes is more common that type 2, with 90% of adults suffering from it in the UK.

Symptoms of diabetes

It is extremely important to take care of your diet and weight, and ensure you get plenty of exercise. Diabetes could occur pretty quickly, so you might not realise you have it. There are many symptoms associated with diabetes, but some of the main concerns are an extreme thirst that you are unable to satisfy, urinating more often, and particularly having to get up during the night. If you feel extremely tired without any reason, or you notice weight/muscle bulk loss, these could be other tell-tale signs.

Type 1 diabetes

With type 1 diabetes, you body is unable to provide insulin, which consequently causes blood glucose to be too high in your body. Insulin is vital and without this, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. There is no perfect answer for why type 1 diabetes exists, but it is known that it isn’t caused by a poor diet or lifestyle. It is lifelong and can be extremely serious. In some cases, the high blood sugar levels can lead to permanent damage of the eyes, kidneys etc. However, as long as it is managed correctly, it should not lead to these issues.

How to manage type 1 diabetes

As your body is not producing insulin, or at least the necessary amount, you need to take it on your own. You can do this by injecting it, or you might decide to use a pump. It is important to take responsibility for managing your own insulin levels if you have type 1 diabetes, as if not, it could lead to serious consequences.

Although your diet doesn’t directly affect your ability to improve diabetes, it can help you to feel better. It is worth keeping an eye on your weight, ensuring you eat a healthy and balanced diet, as well as regular exercise. The more you look after yourself, the less the chances of ending up with complications as a result of your diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

With type 2 diabetes you are not producing a sufficient amount of insulin and cells are not responding well to insulin. You can develop both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in either childhood or as an adult. Type 2 is most common in older people or overweight children, as it is generally caused by a poor diet.

How to manage type 2 diabetes

You cannot cure type 2 diabetes, but you will be able to manage it better by taking control of your diet, and ensuring exercise is a regular part of your schedule. You might also need medication to manage the condition, depending on the severity.

Our diabetes care services for our clients

Our carers receive the highest form of nurse-led clinical training to ensure they can provide a quality care service to our clients receiving diabetes care. Working alongside other local authorities, they deliver a service in the comfort of the individual’s home, ensuring they are as comfortable as possible. They will also provide support and advice to families dealing with diabetes, helping to comfort them where required. Some of the services our carers provide at Harmony Healthcare, include:

Administering medication

Our carers can administer the medication you need in the comfort of your home. They will ensure you receive the right level of medication at the right time to help ensure your optimum health and wellbeing.

Medical support

Our carers are able to provide some medical support as required, such as catheter care.

Personal care

In some cases, personal care may be required. The carers will ensure they provide this in a caring, sensitive and empathetic way.

Mobility support

If you need help around the house with your mobility, our carers can offer this too, ensuring you stay safe at all times.

Shopping

If you require some help with your shopping, or you need someone to do this for you, our carers can also provide this, including collecting your prescriptions and shopping.

General Housekeeping

Our carers will also prepare meals and carry out regular housekeeping around the home, including dishes, preparing meals and laundry.

Emotional Support

You may feel that you have no one to talk to or to turn to for support. Sometimes it is better to speak to someone who is impartial, and our carers are happy to offer that emotional support you need too.

Case study – living with diabetes

Tony lives on his own and has type 1 diabetes. He has trouble with his eyesight and often feels too tired and sore for normal daily activities. He called us and we sent a nurse and carer to his home for an assessment. His carer visits on an adhoc basis, and sometimes provides overnight care to help ensure he stays safe during the night. Some of the tasks the carer deals with are shopping and cooking, and preparing healthy meals. Accompanying Tony on short walks when he is able to. The carers also offers a friendly ear when Tony feels in a bad place, and also helps with medication. The priority is to ensure Tony lives a healthy and active lifestyle, while also providing emotional support and company when required.