MDNews - Cleveland-Akron-Canton

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SPECIAL SECTION: DIABETES AND OBESITY  +++ +++ Living Well With Diabetes at Home By Michelle M. Morse, MSN, RN the population. Among US residents 65 years and older, there are 10.9 million or 26.9% of the population with the disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the US as well as a major cause of heart disease and stroke. In 2007, the estimated cost of diabetes in the US was $174 billion. Medical expenses for people with diabetes are more than two times higher than for people without diabetes. A CCORDING TO THE Centers for Disease Control, diabetes affects 25.8 million people in the United States or 8.3% of Complications of diabetes are many and affect nearly every body system. By working with people with diabetes, their support network, and health care provid- ers, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of complications. Elements of the manage- ment plan include: diet, insulin and oral medications to lower blood glucose levels as well as patient education and self care. Patients that are homebound and qualify for the services of a home health agency can benefi t greatly in learning to manage their disease and delay or avert complica- tions. Patients need to learn basic survival skills (dealing with hyper or hypoglycemia and sick day management) as well as lifestyle skills to help them manage the long term issues of a chronic disease. A home health nurse can provide education and support in both of these areas. By working with the patient’s physician, a plan of care is developed to support the goal of patient self management. Some of the elements of the plan of care would include: evaluation of medi- cation compliance at every visit, meal planning for diet compliance, ensuring the patient is profi cient in blood glucose monitoring, foot care and provision of an exercise plan that the patient can follow. By helping the diabetic patient in their own home, in familiar surroundings, some of the stress of dealing with the disease can be lessened. While patients cannot be cured of diabetes, working as a team we can all help them live well with diabetes. Michelle Morse is the director of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates’ Center for Program Development and Education. n 42 | Cleveland-Akron-Canton MD NEWS  MDNEWS.COM  JULY-AUGUST 2011

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