How to Nurse a Diabetic

Diabetics have certain dietary and activity restrictions, and nursing a diabetic requires knowledge of the full range of those restrictions. Each diabetic has a unique health profile, although the principles of how to nurse them are largely based on the particular diabetes that a diabetic has.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about the diabetic's type of diabetes and the related nutritional and activity restrictions. A great resource for learning about different types of diabetes is the National Health Institute's National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.

• 2

  Learn how to test blood sugar levels using a standard glucose meter. A glucose meter includes a small digital device that reads tiny plastic strips upon which a diabetic places a very small amount of their own blood to test for glucose. The meter tests the glucose level and provides information to the user regarding whether the glucose in the blood is at a level that is high, low or normal. If the blood sugar level is too low, then the nurse should give the diabetic a small candy or a bit of orange juice, whereas a high sugar level may necessitate a greater insulin injection.

• 3

  Create a menu of meals in advance that is suitable for a diabetic. Build the menu from a set of diabetic recipes acquired over time. For example, diabetics typically cannot have pure cake, but can have sugar-free cake in small amounts (large amounts of sugar-free cake are too rich in carbohydrates for a diabetic). Feeding a diabetic is much simpler if one has suitable recipes in advance. In general, anything rich in carbohydrates is not suitable for a diabetic.

• 4

  Encourage the diabetic to take personal responsibility for their condition. For example, it is initially troubling for a diabetic to inject themselves with insulin prior to a meal; however, with the constant attention and support of a nurse familiar with the procedure, the diabetic will eventually have the confidence to do it on their own without fear. Similarly, a diabetic may be initially discouraged by their sudden inability to indulge in sugary foods, but the compassion and support of a person nursing them can help them overcome their concerns.