Diabetes Basics
What is diabetes?
A chronic condition where the body cannot properly use or produce
One common symptom of hypoglycemia
sweating, shakiness, confusion, hunger
What do we call the machine used to check blood sugar?
a glucometer
Where is insulin administered?
subcutaneously (fatty tissue)
Which is more dangerous immediately: hypo or hyper?
Hypo, because is can lead to seizures/ unconsciousness quickly
Name the 2 main types of diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2
One common symptom of hyperglycemia
increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue
When should blood glucose be checked for insulin- dependent residents?
before meals and at bedtime, or per order
Name one common insulin injection site
abdomen, thigh, back of the arm, buttocks
Treatment for mild hypoglycemia
15g fast carbs (juice, crackers, glucose tablet)
What organ produces insulin?
Pancreas
What symptom might a confused resident show if blood sugar is low?
sudden behavior changes or irritability
What is the FIRST step before checking a resident's finger- stick?
Wash hand and wear gloves
Why rotate insulin injection sites?
prevent lipodystrophy (fat tissue damage)
What is the "15/15" rule?
give 15g carbs and recheck in 15 min
What is a normal fasting blood glucose range?
70- 110mg/dL
Why can diabetes cause wounds to heal slowly?
Poor circulation and nerve damage
What do you do if the resident's hands are cold before a finger- stick?
warm the hands to improve blood flow
What is the onset of rapid- acting insulin like Humalog?
10- 15min
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
dangerous buildup of ketones cause by untreated hyperglycemia
What is A1c?
A blood test showing average glucose levels over 3 months
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar
The glucomter reads "HI" What does that mean?
Blood sugar is too high for the machine to read- follow facility protocol.(recheck, notify MD)
What do you do if you give insulin but the resident does not want to eat?
Notify nurse/provider; give quick carbs to prevent hypoglycemia
A resident is sleepy, sweaty, and pale. Blood sugar=45. What do you do first
give a fast carb immediately