Each November, the American Diabetes Association hosts Diabetes Awareness Month to encourage education, share resources, secure funding for research and show support. Throughout this month, focus is placed on raising awareness for diabetes and the impact it has on those affected. Its a disease that impacts millions of individuals in the United States alone, and more and more are diagnosed every day. Diabetes occurs when a person’s blood sugar levels cease to be managed effectively by their body’s own natural hormones, thus requiring support to help their body do so. Common diagnoses include:
- Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition that results when the body stops producing insulin, a hormone supplied by the pancreas that is responsible for regulating blood sugar
- Type 2 diabetes -considered to be preventable, this condition results when the body cannot produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly
- Prediabetes – occurs when one’s blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes (may be reversible)
- Gestational diabetes – solely occurs during pregnancy and may go away after delivery
Treatment for diabetes depends on the individual and the type that they have. 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 can occur. Being diagnosed with diabetes takes not only a physical toll, but a mental and emotional toll as well. A lifelong responsibility of managing one’s own blood sugar levels can be daunting as there are many daily factors of which a person must always be mindful.
Here at Aqua Home Care, we refer trusted in-home care providers who offer services to clients facing a wide-range of personal care needs. Many in-home care recipients living with diabetes require special care services that caregivers from our registry have the skillset to provide. Services offered that may help meet the needs of individuals living with diabetes can include:
- Meal preparation based on one’s diet
- Assistance with feeding
- Reminders to eat on time
- Transportation and companionship to doctor appointments
- Medication reminders
- Reminders to test blood sugar
- Assistance walking outdoors for exercise
- Supervision
- And more
There is currently no known cure for diabetes. It is hoped that, through raising awareness, education about this disease will help with early detection and encourage lifestyle changes that may help individuals avoid developing diabetes. If you or a loved one is experiencing constant thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, a painful or numbing sensation in the extremities, prolonged healing of wounds or cuts or a combination of these, please speak with your doctor as these may be signs of diabetes. Furthermore, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes and is also in need of daily assistance, our Aqua Home Care team can help. We are here with experience, resources and compassion to find you the support you need at home. Our dedication and commitment continues as we join in raising awareness and offering our unending support.
