Foot Care
- Take care of your diabetes.
- Inspect your feet every day.
- Wash your feet every day (dry between toes well).
- Keep the skin soft and smooth.
- Smooth corns and calluses gently.
- Trim your toenails each week or when needed.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times.
- Protect your feet from hot and cold.
- Keep the blood flowing to your feet.
- Check with your health care provider.
Special Issues in Diabetes Care
- Patients with diabetes who are undergoing surgery
- Hyperglycemia (due to stress hormones)
- Hypoglycemia (being NPO)
- Hold morning insulin unless it is > 200 mg/dL.
- Diuresis leads to fluid and electrolytes imbalance
If hyperglycemia is not controlled during surgery, the resulting osmotic diuresis may
lead to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes. Patients with type 1 diabetes also risk
developing ketoacidosis during periods of stress.
The blood glucose level is controlled during surgery with the IV infusion of regular
insulin, which is balanced by an infusion of dextrose. The insulin and dextrose infusion
rates are adjusted according to frequent (hourly) capillary glucose determinations.
Diabetes Mellitus Nursing Process Patient newly diagnosed with DM
- Assessment:
- Signs and Symptoms of DM
- Infections.
- Complications.
- Blood glucose