American Diabetes Month is observed each November, shining a spotlight on a disease that impacts millions of individuals. According to the CDC, over thirty-four million Americans (more than one in ten) are living with diabetes while eighty-eight million American adults (about one in three) have prediabetes. Ideally the human body will effectively regulate blood sugar levels using insulin and glucagon – hormones produced by the pancreas – to keep blood sugar levels in the desired range for optimal functioning. Glucagon is released in response to low blood sugar and helps these levels naturally rise to a normal range. Insulin is released in response to high blood sugar and helps these levels naturally fall to a normal range. For a person with type 1 diabetes, however, the body does not produce insulin, causing levels to remain high. For someone with type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond to its own insulin, and eventually may not produce much at all. In both cases where blood sugar levels are not able to be managed by the body’s own natural hormones, interventions are needed to self-manage these levels.
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease with over a million new diagnoses each year. Depending on the type of diabetes, blood sugar levels may be best controlled with either oral medication, insulin injections, diet, exercise, other methods or a combination of methods. If not properly monitored and controlled, serious, even fatal, complications develop. Living with diabetes requires lifestyle changes and everyday responsibilities. While self-care is carried out my many, it can be more difficult for those facing other daily challenges. Conditions that affect memory, movement, thought-processing and other health issues can make independently managing diabetes more difficult.
Here at Aqua Home Care, it is our mission to refer only the best caregivers for each individual seeking support at home. We personally match qualified, experienced, compassionate caregivers from our registry with their clients so that daily needs are met and specialized care is provided for more specific needs. This includes care for those in need of support when living with diabetes. Support can include:
- Assistance checking blood sugar levels
- Meal preparation/feeding assistance
- Medication reminders
- Mobility/exercise assistance
- Transportation to doctor appointments
- Wound care
- Personal hygiene care
- And more
Managing diabetes requires daily dedication. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting the proper amount of exercise, remembering to take medications and checking blood sugar levels are vital components of self-care. Still, there are a variety of conditions that can pose challenges to completing these required routines. When in-home care is needed, our Aqua Home Care team is here to ensure that individuals are matched with caregivers who can provide the support they need. Services pertaining to diabetes care are available around the clock, and we are happy to help by referring trusted, experienced caregivers for the task.
