Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body converts food into energy.  An estimated 34.2 million people, or about 10.5 percent of the US population, have diabetes. Of those people, an estimated 26.9 million people of all ages have been diagnosed with diabetes, while approximately 7.3 million adults 18 years or older have diabetes, but are undiagnosed. A study from 2018 looking at economic costs in 2017 noted that the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $327 billion.  $237 billion of that was from direct medical costs, while $90 billion was from reduced productivity.  Caring for people with diabetes accounts for 1 in 4 health care dollars in the United States.

Types of diabetes

Diabetes falls into three main types: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Autoimmune reactions are thought to be the cause of type 1 diabetes, which results in the body not making insulin and affects 5% – 10% of people who have diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes, affecting 90%-95% of people who have diabetes, is the result of the body being resistant to insulin leading to a rise in blood glucose. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. In addition, an estimated 88 million adults 18 years or older have prediabetes which can place them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Caring for those with diabetes

Caring for individuals with diabetes can be complex and challenging due to the effect it has on the body.  Complications due to untreated diabetes can lead to damage to the nerves, kidneys and eyes, along with cardiovascular complications such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease.  Poor circulation and neuropathy to the feet may result in poor or slow healing to foot wounds or even amputation. Treatment of diabetes may require the use of injectable or oral antidiabetic medications or a combination of both to regulate blood glucose levels. Education is key and involves learning about the disease, the risk factors and complications, along with treatment strategies, dietary considerations, and mitigation strategies to avoid potential complications.

Many of the residents that come into the long-term care setting may have already been living with a diabetes diagnosis, but for some, it may be a recent diagnosis.  Understanding where they are in their diabetes journey and their goals for care are important.  Clinicians should have a basic understanding that diabetes doesn’t necessarily fit into a one-size fits all category.  Care plans should be individualized to the resident, incorporating their goals for care with appropriate interventions in place.

The Compliance Store can help

The Compliance Store offers resources to support caring for residents with diabetes.  Along with a Diabetic Care Solution, we also have training materials and other tools and resources related to diabetes. To learn more, contact us online or call us at 877-582-7347.