Diabetes Care at Home

Types of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes that affect most people needing home care support:

Around 4.4 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, with Type 2 being significantly more common in older adults.

Daily Management Challenges

Managing diabetes well requires consistency. Many older or less mobile people struggle to maintain this routine alone:

• Medication timing — tablets or insulin must be taken at consistent times, often with meals
• Blood glucose monitoring — regular finger prick tests or CGM sensor checks
• Meal preparation — balanced, low-GI meals at consistent times help stabilise blood sugar
• Physical activity — gentle movement helps regulate blood glucose
• Foot care — people with diabetes have reduced circulation and nerve sensitivity in feet, requiring daily inspection
• Recognising hypos and hypers — both are medical situations requiring prompt action
• Hydration — especially important when blood glucose is elevated

How Home Care Helps with Diabetes

A home carer from Ekvarta can provide consistent daily support that improves diabetes management outcomes:

1. 1

   Medication Prompts

   Reminding the person to take their tablets or prompting insulin doses at the right time relative to meals. Carers do not administer injections — this requires a trained district nurse — but they can provide the routine structure around medication timing.

2. 2

   Meal Preparation with Dietary Awareness

   Preparing balanced meals with appropriate carbohydrate content. Understanding the importance of meal timing and consistency. Avoiding high-sugar foods and ensuring meals are eaten at regular intervals to prevent glucose spikes and dips.

3. 3

   Monitoring and Observation

   Spotting signs of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) early. Checking feet daily for sores, cuts or changes. Reporting any concerns to family or healthcare professionals.

4. 4

   Encouraging Hydration

   Ensuring adequate fluid intake throughout the day, particularly important when blood glucose is elevated or during warm weather.

5. 5

   Supporting Activity

   Accompanying gentle walks, supporting safe movement around the home, and encouraging light activity which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Hypoglycaemia — What to Do

Foot Care

Diabetes can damage nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels in the feet, meaning small cuts or sores may not be felt and can become serious quickly. A carer can help with daily foot checks:

• Check for cuts, sores, blisters, redness or swelling
• Ensure feet are kept clean and dry — particularly between toes
• Apply moisturiser to dry skin (not between toes)
• Ensure appropriate footwear is worn — no bare feet
• Report any changes to the care team or district nurse

Any foot sore in a diabetic person should be seen by a GP or district nurse promptly — do not wait to see if it heals on its own.

Diet and Meal Support

Diet plays a central role in managing Type 2 diabetes and supporting Type 1 management. A home carer can help by preparing meals that are:

• Based on low-GI carbohydrates — wholegrain bread, oats, lentils, vegetables
• Rich in fibre — beans, leafy vegetables, wholegrains
• Low in added sugar — avoiding sugary drinks, sweets and processed foods
• Consistent in portion size and timing
• Adequate in protein to support muscle health

Carers are not nutritionists or dietitians. For specific dietary plans, the person should work with their GP or diabetes nurse.