Unit 5 - diabetes 4 Flashcards
How are sweat glands affected by autonomic neuropathy?
Inability to sweat in the lower limbs
- skin on the feet becomes dry and cracked
What is the treatment for sweat glands affected by autonomic neuropathy?
Emollients
What is the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by autonomic neuropathy?
- Viagra
- Caverject
What are the effects of motor neuropathy?
- foot deformities can occur
- Charcot’s foot
- loss of sensation and weakened muscles
- bone fractures/breaks
- could lead to falls
What is the treatment for motor neuropathy?
Refer to podiatrist
What effect do blood flow and nerve problems in the foot lead to?
You might not notice if you hurt your feet or get sores or ulcers
Wounds won’t heal as quickly, or in some cases won’t heal at all
The bones become weak and change the shape of the foot/ankle
- Charcot arthropathy
You may find it difficult to stand or walk, which may affect your lifestyle, employment or social life
Lower limb ulcers
In extreme cases, the tissues in the feet may die
- may be necessary to amputate toes, part of the foot or even the lower leg
How should diabetic patients care for their feet?
Check feet daily Appropriate footwear Avoid very hot weather Keep skin dry - particularly between the toes Should have access to podiatrist Annual foot check
What are the NICE guidelines for diabetic foot care?
Patient information and support - basic foot advice and the importance of foot care, foot emergencies and who to contact - footwear advice Foot protection service Multidisciplinary foot care service Foot check - when diabetes is diagnosed - at least once a year after that
How can diabetic patients test the health of their feet?
Touch the toes test
- the touch must be as light as a feather and brief (1 - 2 seconds)
- do not press, prod or poke, tap or stroke the skin
- if the person did not respond do not attempt to get a reaction by pressing harder
- they not feel
- this should be recorded as not felt
You must not touch each toe more than once
- if not felt, do not repeat the touch
How can diabetes cause periodontal disease?
Too much sugar in your blood can lead to more sugar in your saliva
- perfect breeding ground for bacteria
What can damage the blood vessels in your gums and make them more likely to get infected?
High blood sugar levels
What effect can hyperglycaemia have on gums?
Can thicken blood vessels
- slows the flow of nutrients
- slows the removal of waste
What mouth problems can be caused by diabetes?
Tooth decay Gingivitis - gum inflammation Periodontitis - infection in the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth Xerostomia - dry mouth Oral thrush Tooth loss Abscesses Irritated or sore mouth - difficulty wearing dentures
How can diabetics keep their mouths healthy?
Check blood sugars regularly Brush twice a day See your dentist - should have a dental check up at least every 6 months or more often if recommended by dentist Choose the right food and drink Don't smoke Keep your dentures clean Avoid acidic drinks (energy drinks) - erode enamel Floss daily between teeth Brush teeth and gum line for TWO full minutes Brush tongue for a few seconds - get rid of bacteria
What is the role of pharmacists in managing and treating diabetes?
Prevention Identification and diagnosis Initial assessment and management Medication adherence Ongoing care Supporting people experiencing complications MURs DMRs/NMS Pharmacist-delivered services - IP Advice on travel, insurance, driving, employment Support groups - diabetes UK On going support in relation to - diet - lifestyle - physical activity - family support - mental health - eating disorder - anxiety - depression - non-adherence - screening for complications
