Diabetes Care at Home

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a common chronic disease that needs to be monitored and controlled regularly to avoid dangerous complications....

In addition to the efforts of the health sector in preventing and treating diabetes, many families in the province are paying special attention to caring for and monitoring patients at home. At the age of 62, Mrs. Tran Thi Nu (Quyet Tien ward, Lai Chau city) has lived with type 2 diabetes for nearly 5 years. In the early days of discovering the disease, she was often tired, lost weight and had to be hospitalized due to a sudden increase in blood sugar. However, thanks to the close care from her children and grandchildren and the guidance of doctors, her health is now well controlled.
“Before, I didn’t know much about diabetes, and ate whatever I wanted. But since I got advice from the doctor and my children joined in, I know how to diet properly, walk every morning, and check my blood sugar regularly,” Ms. Nu shared.
It is known that every day, Mrs. Nu's daughter or daughter-in-law measures her blood sugar with a portable meter, cooks separate meals according to a low-sugar, low-fat menu, and reminds her to exercise gently.
Not only Mrs. Nu's family, many households in the province are also being more proactive in taking care of their relatives with diabetes. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Luyen in Dong Phong ward discovered she had diabetes more than a year ago. At first, she was quite confused and worried, but with the guidance of doctors and nurses and the encouragement and care of her family, Mrs. Luyen was somewhat reassured and complied to stabilize her condition. Her husband, Mr. Pham Phu Doai, also built a suitable diet and exercise regimen for his wife. Typically, in daily meals, prioritize lots of green vegetables, fiber, protein from fish, lean meat; do light exercise such as walking, cycling about 30 minutes a day.

Doctors from the General Clinic (Provincial Center for Disease Control) conduct regular health check-ups and instruct patients on how to care for themselves and treat themselves at home.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by blood sugar levels that are always higher than normal due to the body's lack of insulin secretion or resistance to insulin or both, leading to serious disorders in the metabolism of sugar, protein, fat, and minerals. When suffering from diabetes, patients cannot metabolize carbohydrates from daily foods to create energy, which gradually causes an increase in the amount of sugar accumulated in the blood. High blood sugar levels will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and at the same time cause damage to many other organs and parts such as: nerves, eyes, kidneys and many other serious diseases.
According to statistics from the provincial Center for Disease Control, there are currently about 1,900 people with diabetes in the province; over 1,300 people with pre-diabetes. Every day, the center's General Clinic is treating 300 diabetic patients. Most of the patients with this disease, after being prescribed medication and instructed on how to care for themselves, go home and follow the instructions.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh - Deputy Head of the General Clinic, Provincial Center for Disease Control shared: Although it is a chronic disease, requiring lifelong medication, because there is currently no cure, diabetes can be prevented by adjusting lifestyle: building a healthy diet, increasing appropriate physical activity. In particular, eating a balanced diet between groups of substances: starch, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, both ensures nutrients, energy for daily activities and effectively controls blood sugar. Supplement foods rich in nutrients, low in fat and calories such as: vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Meals are designed to be simple, not too expensive and suitable for local customs... Diabetic patients should exercise at least 5 days/week with a practice time of 30 minutes/day. Comply with medication as prescribed by your doctor, do not stay up late, eat on time, do not smoke, do not use stimulants (alcohol, beer,...), control stress.
Treatment and care by family members of diabetic patients at home not only helps reduce pressure on medical facilities but also creates a positive mental environment for patients. The cooperation of families and the community is gradually contributing to building a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness of disease prevention among the people.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/cham-soc-suc-khoe-benh-nhan-tieu-duong-tai-nha-1393788