Diabetes Dateline
Patient Handout:
What's New in Diabetes Care—1999
Just when you get used to one routine, diabetes experts change the rules!
Actually, researchers and doctors adjust their recommendations for diabetes
care every year or two. Why? There are several reasons:
- Researchers discover new information about diabetes and complications.
- New medicines are approved.
- Health care providers learn ways to improve diabetes care with nutrition,
exercise, and psychological help.
Many articles about diabetes care are published every year in medical
journals. Eventually, most health professionals and researchers agree
on which new ideas are important. This is the reason your caregiver may
periodically suggest you change your diabetes care in some way.
The American Diabetes Association's 1999 Clinical Practice Recommendations
for diabetes care included the following new positions:
Preventive Foot Care
Everyone with diabetes should receive a thorough foot examination at
least once a year to identify high-risk foot conditions. People with one
or more high-risk foot conditions should be evaluated more frequently
to monitor the development of additional risk factors. People with neuropathy
should have their feet inspected each time they visit a health care professional.
Management of Diabetes at Diabetes Camps
Residential and day camps for children with diabetes should allow for
a camping experience in a safe and supportive environment where children
with diabetes can meet and learn to be more personally responsible for
their disease. A skilled medical and camping staff should be available
to ensure safety and optimal diabetes management, so that the camping
environment can serve as a teaching opportunity to help children with
diabetes gain skills in managing their disease.
Care of Children with Diabetes in the School
and Day Care Settings
Young people with diabetes who attend school or day care need knowledgeable
staff to provide a safe school environment. Parents and the health care
team need to work together to give school systems and day care providers
the information and training they need to let children with diabetes participate
fully and safely in the school experience. Appropriate diabetes care is
also important for the child's long-term well-being and for optimal academic
performance.
Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about the 1999 guidelines. Ask
if your diabetes management plan is up to date.
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