understanding diabetes and caring for the diabetic client
DESCRIPTION
How to Care for the Diabetic ClientTRANSCRIPT
How to Care for the Diabetic Client
By
Manuel A. Gallegos RN, BSN
Personal Care Assistant Class
Spring 2014
The Digestive System
Objectives1. Understand the role of insulin and how healthy people convert glucose
into energy in the cells
2. Define Diabetes
3. Understand the difference between Type I and Type II Diabetes
4. Know signs, symptoms, and treatment of hyperglycemia versus hypoglycemic patients
5. Know 3 areas Caregivers can significantly help protect Diabetic clients
How Our Bodies Turn Food Into Energy
All parts of the body (muscles, brain, heart, and liver) need energy to work: This energy comes from the food we eat
Our bodies digest the food we eat by mixing it with fluids (acids and enzymes) in the stomach. When the stomach digests food, the carbohydrate (sugars and starches) in the food breaks down into another type of sugar, called glucose
The stomach and small intestines absorb the glucose and then release it into the bloodstream
Once in the bloodstream, glucose can be used immediately for energy or stored in our bodies, to be used later
However, our bodies need insulin in order to use or store glucose for energy. Without insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream, keeping blood sugar levels high
Play videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHRfDTqPzj4&feature
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How does insulin work?Insulin helps your body turn blood sugar (glucose) into
energy
It also helps your body store it in your muscles, fat cells, and liver to use later, when your body needs it
After you eat, your blood sugar (glucose) rises
This rise in glucose triggers your pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream
Insulin travels through the blood to your body's cells
How does insulin work cont..?Insulin tells the cells to open up and let the glucose inOnce inside, the cells convert glucose into energy or store
it to use laterWithout insulin, your body can't use or store glucose for
energyInstead, the glucose stays in your blood
How the Body Makes Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells in the pancreasBeta cells are very sensitive to the amount of glucose in
the bloodstreamNormally beta cells check the blood's glucose level every
few seconds and sense when they need to speed up or slow down the amount of insulin they're making and releasing
When someone eats something high in carbohydrates, like a piece of bread, the glucose level in the blood rises and the beta cells trigger the pancreas to release more insulin into the bloodstream
The pancreas produces insulin
Definition of DiabetesDiabetes mellitus (sometimes called "sugar diabetes") is a
condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally
Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cellsThe levels of glucose in the blood are controlled by a
hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreasInsulin helps glucose enter the cells
What is the difference between Type I and Type II Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy
Type 2 diabetes, which is far more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough insulin
Insulin Resistance
Definition continued….In diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin (
type 1 diabetes)
Or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes)
This causes glucose levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss
Difference Between Type I and Type II Diabetes
Hyperglycemia Symptoms
Causes and Treatment of Hyperglycemic Clients
CAUSES: Too much food, too little insulin, illness or stress ONSET: Gradual, may progress to diabetic coma. BLOOD SUGAR: Above 200 mg/dL.
Normal range: 70-115 mg/dL WHAT CAN YOU DO? Test blood sugar
If over 250mg/dL for several tests, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 ASAP
Cycle of Diabetic Patient
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Causes and Treatment of Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) CAUSES: Too little food, too much insulin or diabetes
medicine, or extra exercise
ONSET: Sudden, may progress to insulin shock. BLOOD SUGAR: Below 70 mg/dL. Normal range: 70-115 mg/dl
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Drink a cup of orange juice or milk or eat several hard candiesTest Blood sugar
#1 area Caregivers can help Diabetic clientsPERSONAL HYGIENE :Bathe client regularly and thoroughly, at least once a dayApply talcum powder frequently to areas of the skin
prone to excessive sweatingBathe feet daily, dry them thoroughly and dust them with
talcum powder, or swab with alcoholAny infection of the skin must be treated immediatelyMake sure client sees his or her doctor regularlyDental hygiene must be thorough, visit your dentist
regularly, and follow the advice
2nd Area Caregivers can assist diabetic clients
AVOID INJURY :Small cuts, even abrasions should be dressed immediately Shave with utmost careIn dressing wounds, avoid antiseptics which may burn or
irritate the skin, such as iodine, carbolic acid, phenol or salicylic acid
Be very careful when cutting your finger and toe nails Cut them after a bath when soft, using a nail cutter
Do not try to cut them very shortThe nails should be cut in line with the toes
3rd area Caregivers can help protect diabetic clients
FOOT CARE :Never allow client to walk barefoot and avoid tight shoes which may cause cornsShoes should be broad at the tip so as not to jam the toes and new shoes should
be worn only for about half an hour at a time, preferably with cotton socksDo not cut corns or apply corn removers If the circulation of blood in your legs and feet is disturbed or impeded, the
results can be very serious, and you may even lose your feet
Things to do: Inspect and massage clients feet regularly and encourage regular walks to
improve circulationSpend a few minutes a day lying down with feet raised above the level of your
bodyWear warm stockings in cold weatherDo not wear socks with tight elastic bands
Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Examples of Diabetic Ulcers
Important thoughts for DiabeticsControl diet and regular exercise are critical for diabeticsDaily self monitoring in the home and at work, routine
check-ups by your doctor, will help verify your conditionSelf monitoring includes blood glucose testing and should
be performed on a regular basisGood diabetic control is requires accurate records of all
tests performedResults should be discussed with your doctor at each visitA well controlled diabetic feels better and lives a long,
healthy, and productive life
Summary1. Insulin responds to increases in glucose in the blood stream
and helps the body’s cells use glucose for energy
2. Diabetes is defined as a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally
3. Type I Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce any insulin and in Type II Diabetes the cells become resistant to insulin or the pancreas does not produce insulin
4. Hyperglycemia may cause extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and nausea
5. Hypoglycemia may cause shaking, sweating, anxiousness, and weakness
6. Diabetic foot ulcers are very dangerous
7. Caregivers should help clients with personal hygiene, avoiding injuries, and thorough foot care
References http://kulsummehmood.hubpages.com/hub/controldiabetes
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-1-diabetes/DS00329
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/suppl_1/s5.full
http://kidshealth.org/parent/diabetes_center/words_know/diabetes_mellitus.html
http://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/index.jhtml?item=/common/healthAndWellness/conditions/diabetes/foodProcess.html
http://www.ghc.org/popup.jhtml?item=/common/healthAndWellness/conditions/diabetes/insulinProcess.html