Doha: Patients’ families and caregivers attended a workshop at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) on caring for diabetics at home.
It was organized by HMC’s Homecare Service Department and led by a team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, health educators and dietitians. The first day was dedicated to female participants and the second day to male participants.
“Homecare patients we are caring for are aged 30-80, and as 60 percent of them are diabetic, we held the workshop to educate and train their families, other caregivers and nurses on the proper way to use a glucometer to monitor blood glucose, administer medications and insulin injections, provide foot care and how to prepare a healthy diet for diabetics,” said Nada Hussein, Diabetes Educator at the department.
The workshop provided information on the types of diabetes and risk factors, including hereditary and lifestyle factors.
“Diabetes signs and symptoms can include severe thirst, frequent urination, impaired sensation, delayed healing of wounds, weight changes, blurred vision and fatigue.
“Short-term diabetic complications can include hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycaemia can include extreme hunger, dizziness, headache, cold sweat, fast heartbeat and weakness, while signs of hyperglycaemia can include nausea, frequent urination, increased thirst, and dry and itchy skin. Diabetes can cause long-term complications such as poor vision, nerve damage, reduced blood flow and skin problems,” Hussein added.
If untreated, diabetes can lead to acute complications such as kidney and heart diseases and stroke and cause depression. To prevent the development of diabetes-related complications, patients should follow prescribed treatment plan, including taking medications, observing a proper diet and ensuring they get adequate physical exercise and maintain a healthy weight. They should also undergo regular check-up of eyes, skin and feet to ensure early detection and treatment of any problems.
