Diabetic Neuropathy Home Care
People with diabetes commonly develop temporary or permanent damage to nerve tissue, called diabetic neuropathy, caused by decreased blood flow and high blood sugar levels. The goals of treating diabetic neuropathy are to prevent the disease from getting worse, and to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Controlling blood sugar is extremely important to prevent symptoms and problems from getting worse. Care providers can help to monitor a patient’s diet, as recommended by the physician. They also will monitor skin integrity for any sign of open wounds. Regular feet exams are also important to identify small infections and prevent foot injuries from getting worse.
The care provider can assist patients with activities of daily living, such as:
Bathing
Dressing
Toileting
Transferring
Ambulating (walking)
Continence care and feeding (as needed by the patient and recommended by their physician)
Medication reminders
Run errands
Light housekeeping
Accompany to doctor’s appointments
Monitor for gross behavioral changes
Help to maintain safety
Passive exercises
Diabetic-specific care needs (RNs or LPNs only)