In the month of November, we raise awareness for diabetes and the impact it has on those affected. Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of individuals in the United States alone. When a person’s blood sugar levels ceases to be managed effectively by their body’s natural hormones, daily routines must be put into place in order to self-manage these levels. Type 1 diabetes results when the body stops producing insulin, a hormone supplied by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes results when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it as it should. Depending on the type of diabetes, blood sugar levels may be best controlled with either oral medication, insulin injections, diet, exercise, other methods or a combination of methods. If not properly monitored and controlled, serious, even fatal, complications develop.

Being diagnosed with diabetes takes not only a physical toll, but a mental and emotional toll as well. A lifelong responsibility of managing one’s own blood sugar levels can be daunting as there are many daily factors of which a person must always be mindful. John DeBlasio Sr., a local business owner in Vero Beach and retired Master Sargent of the United States Air Force was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes while on a year tour in South Korea. He tells us, “I was diagnosed in 2002 with type 2 diabetes. Since then it's been a roller coaster ride of physical and emotional highs and lows.”

Affordable Care at Home offers in-home care to a wide variety of clients, all whom experience their own unique challenges. Many of our clients living with diabetes require special care services that our caregivers have been highly trained to provide. Each of our caregivers are either certified nursing assistants registered with the board of nursing or are a qualified HHA (Home Health Aide). This means they received special training and passed various tests in their abilities to professionally attend to the needs of people with chronic diseases, including diabetes. Affordable Care at Home also provides other services that may help meet the needs of our clients living with diabetes, including:

• Meal preparation based on your diet

• Assistance with feeding

• Reminders to eat on time

• Transportation and companionship to doctor appointments

• Medication reminders

• Reminders to test blood sugar

• Assistance walking outdoors for exercise

There is currently no cure for diabetes, though it is hoped that raising awareness will provide education about diabetes, help with early detection, and encourage lifestyle changes that may help individuals avoid developing this disease. If you or a loved one is experiencing constant thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, a painful or numbing sensation in the extremities, prolonged healing of wounds or cuts or a combination of these, please speak with your doctor as these may be signs of diabetes. Furthermore, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes and is also in need of daily assistance, Affordable Care at Home is here with experience, training, and compassion to meet your in-home care needs. Our dedication and commitment to serving our clients living with diabetes and other conditions continues as we join in raising awareness and offering our unending support.