Families and caregivers of patients have attended a workshop at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) on caring for diabetics at home. The workshop was organised by a team of HMC’s homecare service department, comprising physicians, nurses, pharmacists, health educators and dietitians.
“Homecare patients we are caring for are aged 30-80 years, and as 60% of them are diabetic, we held this workshop to educate and train their families, other caregivers and attending nurses on the proper way to use a glucometer administer medications and insulin injections, and provide foot care, as well as how to prepare a healthy diet for diabetics,” said Nada Hussein, a diabetes educator at the homecare service department.
The workshop provided information on the types of diabetes and risk factors, including hereditary and lifestyle factors. “Diabetes signs and symptoms can include severe thirst, frequent urination, impaired sensation, delayed healing of wounds, weight changes, blurred vision and fatigue. Short-term diabetic complications can include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar),” added the official.
According to Hussein, signs of hypoglycemia can include extreme hunger, dizziness, headache, cold sweat, fast heartbeat and weakness, while signs of hyperglycemia can include nausea, frequent urination, increased thirst, and dry and itchy skin. “Diabetes can cause long-term complications such as poor vision, nerve damage, reduced blood flow and skin problems.”
To prevent the development of diabetes-related complications, patients should follow their prescribed treatment plan, including taking their medications as prescribed, observing a proper diet and ensuring they get adequate physical exercise and maintain a healthy weight. They should also undergo regular check-up of their eyes, skin and feet to ensure early detection and treatment of any problems.