Manage a Diabetic Patient
Newly-diagnosed diabetic patients have a lot that they must learn and adjust to. Many diabetic patients do not know what blood glucose is or test it. They are generally unaware of how dietary sugar impacts their blood sugar. Additionally, many diabetic patients do not fully understand what diabetes is and how the disease process manifests itself. Many health care professionals will label a patient as not being compliant if the patient does not follow the advice of the health care team. However, a diabetic patient should be fully educated if compliance is expected. This is necessary for the patient to understand why the advice should be followed and the gravity of the disease.
Instructions
Manage a Diabetic Patient
1. Educate the diabetic patient about diabetes. Explain how diabetes impacts the body and what problems can arise if the diabetes is not properly managed. Do not attempt to scare the patient; simply explain the realities of poorly managed diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy, poor circulation, and blindness.
2. Educate the diabetic patient on properly manage diabetes. Explain the role of diet, exercise, and regular blood glucose testing in managing diabetes. Ensure that the diabetic patient understands how the blood glucose test should dictate which food choices are beneficial at that point in time.
3. Teach the diabetic patient use the blood glucose monitor. Educate the patient on use the prescribed medication, whether it is insulin or oral drugs.
4. Refer the patient to a Diabetic Educator for follow up diabetic counseling. Ensure that the patient knows who to contact should questions arise.
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