Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 or 2 with Insulin

What is Diabetes Mellitus?
When you have diabetes, your body cannot properly use the energy you get from the food you eat. Insulin is the substance that helps your body convert food into energy. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin because their bodies do not make it. In Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or does not use it properly. Many people can control Type 2 diabetes with pills and diet. Some have to take insulin injections to control their blood sugar (also called blood glucose).

Living with Diabetes Mellitus
Although diabetes is a serious condition, it can be controlled with diet, exercise, medication and positive health habits. At Sparrow Home Care we have a ten-step process that systematically helps educate you and your caregiver to manage your disease. Of course, this process can be extended and is always individualized for each patient encounter.

Step 1:
Disease management
Medication management
Safety
Psycho/social aspects
Community resources

Step 2:
Expands your knowledge of disease management
Continues with medication teaching
Discusses nutritional intake
Discusses activity management
Discusses tests, treatment and equipment
Continues discussions regarding psycho/social issues
Assists with community resources

Disease Management Programs: Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Congestive Heart Failure Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Diabetes/Type 1 or 2 with insulin Diabetes/Type 2 without insulin Heart Attack High Blood Pressure Pressure Ulcer (wound)

Quick Links: Disease Management Programs Sparrow's Mission Statement Telephone Numbers You May Need Patient Bill of Rights Problem Resolution Procedures Medicare Patient Information Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Some content courtesy of Innovative Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (From Step by Step, Guide to Better Health)

Additionally, through the course of your visits, Sparrow Home Care will teach you to know when your insulin starts to work, site rotation for injections, how to give an injection, and preparation of the insulin for injection. Some people may draw only one kind of insulin whereas others will need to draw two kinds. Nutrition plays a major role in managing your diabetes and there is no single meal plan for people with diabetes. Everyone is different. Sparrow Home Care will coordinate your nutritional needs with the Sparrow Health System's Diabetes Clinic and our own registered dietician. We will provide you with a blood sugar, symptom, and activity log as well as a medication schedule log.

With each continuing step of our 10-step process we set attainable goals for you to meet. We measure your awareness or the awareness of the caregiver to ensure all aspects of the goals are being met. Many times we need to step back - and that is OK, the 10-step process is easily modified. The goals are guidelines for us to follow to ensure a comprehensive approach to care. As always, your physician develops your plan of care and directs the nursing and therapy staff in modifying your plan of care to best meet your needs.

Insurance reimbursed homecare must be under the direction of your physician. Remember to ask for SPARROW HOME CARE - the best choice for home care services in mid-Michigan. Celebrating over 20 years of service.