The patient was instructed in diabetes mellitus ketoacidosis discussing blood sugar monitoring, when the test will take place, the technique, the necessary blood sugar range, how to read test results, what to do for abnormal results, the cleaning of equipment. The patient was taught when she or he is sick monitoring is increased to every 4 hours because illness or injury increases glucose demand. The patient was advised to maintain meticulous dental hygiene to prevent infection, wear shoes all the time to prevent foot injury. The patient was advised to monitor for vaginal infections. The patient was instructed the need to carry fast-acting sugar livesavers, sugar packets for treatment of hypoglycemia. The patient was advised to obtain appropriate items, equipment, and assistive devices for various diabetic needs, glucose monitor, medialert bracelet.
Sn instructed patient on diabetes management. Aim for your A1c level to be between 6-7%. For every 1% you decrease your A1c levels you decrease your risk of Diabetic complications. Physical activity helps to decrease blood sugar levels and monitor your food intake such as carbohydrates and fats. Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diabetes can dry out your skin. That means you could get injured more easily, be more likely to get an infection, and take longer to heal. When you bathe or shower, use warm water, and a mild, moisturizing soap. After washing and drying off, use a mild lotion to prevent dry skin. Avoid scratching dry skin, apply moisturizer instead.
Instructed in storage and disposal of equipment: check expiration date, keep spare bottle in refrigerator, do not change brand, match syringe type.
Instructed in visiting an ophthalmologist, an MD who specializes in eye care inmediately if there are any of these symptoms of eye damage: blurred or double vision, narrowed field of vision, seeing dark spots, feeling of pressure or pain in the eyes and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Instructed that alcohol may lower glucose levels and therefore should be avoided.
Instructed in how to list possible causes of high blood sugars: excess food, insufficient insulin, lack of exercise, stress, infection or fever.
Instructed in how to recognize signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, headache, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, etc.
Instructed in knowing what to do if symptoms of high blood sugar occur: contact physician or go to emergency room.
Instructed in knowing what to do if symptoms of low blood sugar occur: eat some form of glucose or carbohydrate, notify physician or go to emergency room if symptoms persist.