Our home carers support people living with diabetes and have the knowledge and skills to prepare healthy and tasty food beneficial for those living with diabetes. Below is our short guide giving you a quick overview of the types of diabetes. Contact us at 0208 886 0686 if we can help or use one of the forms to schedule a callback.

Previous conditions covered:

• Home Care Guide - Conditions - Episode 1 - Multiple Sclerosis

• Home Care Guide - Conditions - Episode 2 - Dementia

• Home Care Guide - Conditions - Episode 3 - Diabetes

• Home Care Guide - Conditions - Episode 4 - Alzheimer's

• Home Care Guide - Conditions - Episode 5 - Vascular Dementia

• Home Care Guide - Conditions - Episode 6 - Parkinson's

Outline

Diabetes causes the blood sugar level to become high. There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes - The immune systems attacks the cells in the body that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes - The most common type in the UK. The amount of insulin produced isn't enough or the body stops reacting to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone; produced in the pancreas, it is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.

Pre-diabetes - This is when people have high blood sugar levels, higher than the normal but not quite at the level of diabetes. 

Symptoms

When your blood glucose levels rise, this can cause you to pass more urine and to feel thirsty and dehydrated. This can then make other illnesses or infections worse.

A hypo also known as Hypoglycaemia can occur when blood glucose levels are less than 4mmols/l (millimoles per litre). Often older people may be at increased risk of a hypo. The symptoms that a hypo is about to happen, that a carer should look out for include: reduced concentration, changes in personality or mood, headaches in the morning or disturbed sleep.

Hypos can cause; confusion, poor appetite, heart attack or stroke, cognitive damage, loss of consciousness, falls, aggressive behaviour and difficulties with speech.

Most of the following symptoms tend to affect the elderly; eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration. Reduced eyesight and mobility and as a result problems with the feet and also urinary incontinence.

Care

Hypos should be treated immediately with a cool, non-milky sugary drink or glucose tablets followed by a snack or meal. If the person is unconscious then call for an ambulance.

Blood sugar levels should be monitored and medication should be taken as in accordance to medical advice. 

Diabetes and pre-diabetes can be managed by having a good diet, reduced weight and doing regular exercise. Diabetes can also be controlled by stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, through medication and with regular reviews with medical professionals. 

Diabetes can as a result of many of it's symptoms make self-care tasks difficult and people living with diabetes may need additional help.