Diabetes prevention

Although most nursing facility patients who suffer from diabetes are diagnosed before they enter the facilities, the risk of diabetes increases with age, so long term care practitioners must look at practical methods of screening patients and implementing treatment that will prevent new cases.

A comprehensive program for diabetes prevention, prepared by Provider magazine, includes: * screening patients for hyperglycemia, which signals a pre-diabetes condition, during annual physical exam
* evaluating high risk patients via lab tests for levels of blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine and insulin
* assessing general nutrition, with prevention-oriented diets for high risk patients
* implementing weight loss program for overweight patients
* encouraging patients to maintain a healthy weight and diet
* promoting regular exercise programs

Diabetes prevention programs promote the health of your patients and save money by limiting patient hospital visits.