Diabetes is a disease in which the body either doesn't make enough insulin -- a hormone the body needs to convert sugar to energy -- or doesn't use it properly.
Education of both the patient and caregiver can be important in recognizing warning signs before a crisis occurs and will help to prevent complications. Caregivers can help focus on problem solving and what can be done to improve individual situations. As a trusted partner in a team-based approach, care remains patient-centered and can impact functional status and life expectancy. Find some valuable advice for families and caregivers here.
How do you go about finding a caregiver for a parent who has diabetes?
If you can’t provide the assistance your loved ones need, Care.com can help. Care.com is a website that lists people throughout the United States who provide care to seniors, including photos and descriptions of their experience, and performs free background checks for members. You can search by zip code. For specific listings, go to Care.com.
How do you help a friend, relative or loved one with Type 2 Diabetes who needs encouragement to start or improve their diabetes management?
This can be a difficult task to undertake. The wrong approach can make a person with diabetes feel pressured, patronized, misunderstood and depressed. The end result could be the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.
It’s a balancing act of trying to live a “normal life” while also taking the necessary precautions to maintain good health, says VeryWellHealth.
Proper knowledge about diabetes and potential contributing circumstances is key.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers some valuable free patient handouts.
Learning About Diabetes, Inc., is a non-profit charity providing easy-to-understand diabetes-care information in several different languages. Of special interest is the use of art and design in novel ways that help those with diabetes better understand and manage their care.
Two organizations -- AADE and the American Diabetes Association -- provide diabetes education programs.
Search for an accredited diabetes education program in your area.
If you’re a caregiver or a volunteer with diabetes, how does participating in a clinical trial help?
Many people say participating in a clinical trial is a way to play a more active role in their own health care. Other people say they want to help researchers learn more about certain health problems. Whatever the motivation, when you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you become a partner in scientific discovery. That applies to both the active participant and the accompanying caregiver. Your contribution can help future generations lead healthier lives. Major medical breakthroughs would not happen without the generosity of clinical trial participants, young and old, says the National Institute on Aging.
Did you know that all education provided by a team of experts alongside clinical trials will be offered for free for interested family members and caregivers?
AMCR Institute, a premier clinical research center for diabetes, explained the benefits of volunteering for clinical trials. Benefits include:
· A full physical exam at no cost
· Free laboratory work-ups
· No health insurance needed
· Potentially free glucose testing supplies and medication provided
· The possibility of a stipend for time and travel expenses
· Improved health outcomes because of the attention to your overall health
· Improved A1c levels from increased attention to blood sugar levels
· Free education for you and your family and loved ones
By taking an active role in your health care, you help both yourself and further research for other people in your situation.
Contact AMCR Institutefor more information on clinical trials.
