Practical Tools for Behavioral Health Staff Supporting the Medical Care of People with Serious Mental Illness-Handout: Diabetes for Case Managers

Handout: Diabetes for Case Managers

Pdf Summary

This document is a guide for case managers to help answer common questions about diabetes. It provides essential information on the disease, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Case managers are encouraged to refer to this guide for quick answers when dealing with client inquiries. <br /><br />Diabetes, also known as diabetes Mellitus or DM, is a chronic condition characterized by abnormally elevated blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar can lead to severe damage to blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. Unhealthy weights and family history are common risk factors for diabetes. Diagnosis is usually done through blood tests like HbA1c, which are monitored regularly by the treatment team.<br /><br />Managing diabetes involves regular blood sugar monitoring using a glucometer, medications such as metformin and insulin, healthy eating, and maintaining a healthy weight. There is no cure for diabetes, but these approaches can help control blood sugar levels and minimize organ damage.<br /><br />For individuals diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to work closely with the healthcare team and primary care provider. This includes tracking blood sugar levels, taking medications as prescribed, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in daily exercise.<br /><br />Psychiatric medications can worsen diabetes, but alternative medications with lower risk can be considered. Diabetes medications themselves can cause side effects such as low blood sugar levels, which may result in symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, shakiness, anxiety, and confusion. In such cases, it is important to eat something and contact a healthcare provider for possible adjustments to medication.<br /><br />Additional resources for reading about diabetes include the American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Diabetes Association (ADA), MedlinePlus, and Resources for Integrated Care. These organizations provide information and support for individuals with diabetes and their caregivers.

Keywords

diabetes

blood sugar levels

chronic condition

diagnosis

medications

healthy eating

healthy weight

organ damage

healthcare team

support