Daily living and health
Diabetes management
Diabetes management is the daily work of keeping blood glucose in a safe range. It includes healthy eating, activity, medicines or insulin, and regular checks. Doctors also track blood pressure and cholesterol. Goals differ by person, so a health care team sets them.
Why it matters for your family
Diabetes care involves many small tasks that can be hard with age, vision loss, or memory problems. Missed meals or doses can cause high or low blood sugar. A care plan from the doctor should say when to check glucose and when to call. A common mistake is changing medicine or diet without advice. Caregivers can help with meal planning, reminders, and watching for warning signs, and can tell the family about changes. They do not give insulin or other medical treatment. Foot checks and regular visits also matter. Keep the doctor's low and high blood sugar instructions in a visible place for every caregiver.
Source: niddk.nih.gov
Read more: Dementia and chronic conditions
Related terms
- Chronic conditionA chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.
- Medication reminderA medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.
- Medication managementMedication management is the full set of steps for using medicines safely.
- Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks needed to live on your own, such as managing money, taking medicines, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, and using transportation or a phone.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
