Instructed in possible adverse reactions of oral diabetic agents, which include nausea, vomiting, epigastric fullness, heartburn, hypoglycemia, rash, itching and facial flushing.
Instructed in possible adverse reactions to insulin, which include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, skin rash and local reaction at injection site.
Instructed that insulin/oral diabetic agents, are used to relieve the symptoms and not to cure the disease.
Instructed in site to use for subcutaneous injection, and the importance of rotating these sites.
Instructed in proper care and maintenance of home glucose monitor.
Instructed in S/S of hypoglycemia, including cold sweat, shaking, blurred vision, faintness, hunger, headache, confused thinking and impatience. Instructed if these S/S occur to take fast acting sugar, such as orange juice with sugar or glucose tablets.
Instructed patient about the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist immediately if any of the S/S occur: blurred or double vision, narrowed field of vision, seeing dark spots, pressured feeling or pain in the eyes and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Instructed patient about possible causes of hypoglycemia such as too much insulin, not enough food, and overexertion or GI disturbance.
Instructed patient about proper storage and disposal of equipment: checking expiration date, keeping spare bottle in refrigerator, not changing the brand, match syringe type.
Instructed patient on the steps to follow to prevent a heart attack or stroke by: maintaining proper cholesterol and triglyceride levels, exercise regularly, proper diet, keeping all MD appointments.