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Diabetic Care |
| Home » Our Services » Nursing Home Services » Complex Medical Services » Diabetic Care |
There are two types of diabetes (diabetes mellitus)—referred to as Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas makes too little insulin or no insulin. The body is not able to metabolize blood glucose (sugar), to use it efficiently for energy, and toxic acids (ketoacids) build up in the body. There is a genetic predisposition to Type 1 diabetes, and it tends to occur in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body is unable to use it effectively because the cells are resistant to the insulin. Most people with Type 2 diabetes may experience hyperglycemia but do not require insulin injections. Approximately 80 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes can be treated with diet, exercise and drugs that lower the blood sugar.
According to statistics published by the American Diabetes Association, almost 17 million Americans have diabetes, including more than 20 percent of the U.S. population aged 65 and older.
Whether the older patient has lived with diabetes for years or is newly diagnosed, diabetes care for the elderly is serious. Medications for other conditions may interfere with the insulin, and diet changes may also affect the medications.
Our diabetes management team helps our residents with diabetes to learn how to manage the disease and keep control of their lives. Dietitians evaluate food choices and create specific diets that won’t aggravate the diabetes or any other conditions. Physical therapists design rehabilitation programs that incorporate exercise and work with arthritic joints. Nurses instruct residents about monitoring blood-glucose levels and caring for the feet, gums and eyes. Consulting pharmacists evaluate prescribed medications to protect against potential food and medication interactions.
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