Contact us
Managing Diabetes
Blood Sugar Complications Scan the code for
more detailed information on blood sugar highs and lows.
Follow These Tips During Your Stay
Avoiding Infections Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of getting an infection, so it’s important to be extra careful during your hospital stay. Tell your nurse about any cuts, sores or bruises you have. } See p. 9 for more tips to prevent infections. Planning for Meals Once you’re admitted to the hospital, ask if there’s a special meal plan for patients with diabetes. You can also ask to see the hospital’s dietitian if your blood sugar is too high or too low during your stay. If you need to take medication or insulin before your meal, make sure you’ve worked out a schedule with your nurse. Ask your nurse what you should do if you can’t eat.
Keeping your blood sugar under control takes careful attention. To help, make a diabetes care plan with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Let them know how you manage your diabetes at home. Include information like: How often you check your blood sugar How often you take your medications and insulin How to handle your insulin pump if you have one Your healthcare team may use a different routine while you’re in the hospital. Let them know if you Sicknesses, surgeries, or new medications can cause your blood sugar to rise or fall. Tracking your blood sugar can provide valuable information about how your body is working. Your nurse may check your blood sugar more often than you are used to. They’ll adjust your care if your numbers are generally too high or too low. Taking Medication or Insulin Your insulin needs may change when you are sick or after surgery. You’ll still need your insulin (if you take it) and other medications while in the hospital, but do not take them yourself. Your nurses will give them to you. If you have questions about your medication schedule, it’s okay to ask. have any questions or concerns. Tracking Your Blood Sugar
When to Call If you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar, like feeling thirsty or shaky, call for your nurse.
Choose an Advocate You may want to ask a friend or family member to be your diabetes advocate. Together, you can work with hospital staff to follow your diabetes care plan.
17
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator