Share

Tips for caregivers of diabetics

accreditation

Most diabetics, with the exception of young children and the elderly, are capable of managing their own care.

Sometimes parents and professionals find themselves in the position of having to take care of diabetics - usually type 1 diabetics in the case of young children and often, but not always, type 2 diabetics in the elderly.

Inform yourself
In the fight against diabetes, knowledge really is power, especially on the part of caregivers of diabetics. Knowledge of the condition is crucial, as is the ability to recognise symptoms of hyperglycaemia and the ability to manage the condition as a whole.

Regular testing of blood sugar is also essential, especially if you're not sure whether someone is hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemic (high blood sugar). The blood-glucose level would also determine medication, level of exercise and diet for the day.

Consult a doctor
If you're uncertain about anything, rather consult the person's attending doctor than make any decisions that you might regret later. If anything untoward happens, rather err on the side of caution. Schedule regular doctor’s visits.

Know the symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Symptoms of high blood sugar are reasonably easy to recognise. These include rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach pain and confusion. In emergencies, these could even include becoming comatose. Get the person to a hospital immediately, as this could be a potentially life-threatening condition.

Watch out for diabetic complications
This mostly applies to caregivers of elderly diabetics. Signs to look out for are skin infections, abrasions or ulcers (especially on the feet), any signs of bad circulation such as complaints about pins and needles in the lower legs and feet, complaints about blurred vision (this could point to retinopathy) and frequent urination, bladder infections or kidney pain (this could signify potential damage to the kidneys).

Take time out
Caregivers should look after themselves to avoid burnout. Time out is important, as is exercise, and a healthy social life. One cannot constantly give without receiving.

First aid
All caregivers of diabetic patients should be able to recognise the signs of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. Diabetic comas can be fatal. Brush up on your first-aid facts and have emergency numbers on hand.

Read the labels
When choosing food for diabetics, all caregivers should be hypervigilant with regards to the contents of prepackaged foods. Hidden fat, sugar and salt often lurk in these foods. It's much better to prepare fresh food from scratch, so that you know exactly what goes into it.

Don't get into a power struggle
Whoever you're caring for must know that, ultimately, their condition is their own responsibility. This is obviously not true in the case of very young children. But in the elderly, you shouldn't take full responsibility for the treatment. If you do, things could easily develop into a power struggle, where lack of compliance with medication or unwillingness to stick to the diet becomes a weapon with which to get at you.

Support groups
Ask a doctor, pharmacist or clinic nurse about support groups in your area. It's important that both you and the person for whom you're caring have contact with others in the same situation. Never underestimate the value of good support.

Have emergency supplies
You don't want to run out of medication in the middle of the night or somewhere far away from home. Rather have too much than too little on hand.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE