|
In the course of just a few days, a person with diabetes makes hundreds of decisions that can lead to improved or lessened diabetes control. Diabetes is unique in that over 90 percent of a person's success in diabetes management is based on how effectively the patient self-manages the disease. With so much responsibility in the hands of the person with diabetes, plenty of support is needed in order to achieve the best possible diabetes control and long-term health.
How Can a Diabetes Nurse Educator Help You?
City of Hope has Certified Diabetes Educators, also Registered Nurses, who are part of the health care team. The diabetes nurse educator's role is to be a teacher, counselor, and coordinator of care for people with diabetes. The diabetes nurse will make sure the patient, and when possible, the patient's family or other support people, understand all the doctor's orders and the many aspects of the disease. This may include information about medications, how to monitor and interpret blood glucose levels, the importance of exercise, a realistic food plan, dealing with emotions, and when other health team members need to be called upon. Because diabetes is a chronic, progressive and serious disease, support over the long-term is key.
|