MANAGING DIABETES WITH COMPASSION AND EXPERTISE

by Christina O'Leary | Nov 6, 2024 | Health

Diabetes affects over 37 million people in the U.S., with numbers steadily rising. This complex chronic condition is about more than medication—it requires a lifestyle approach to monitor blood sugar, diet, exercise, and consistent medical care. At Bedrock Healthcare at Home, we meet this challenge through our comprehensive, patient-centered approach within the Bedrock Care Management and Bedrock Wellness Ecosystem. We’re committed to delivering the resources, education, and compassionate support patients need to live fully while managing diabetes.

Types of Diabetes and Their Impact

1. Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune condition affects around 1.45 million.
2. Americans, requiring lifelong insulin therapy and careful blood sugar monitoring.
3. Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, affecting 95% of all diabetes patients, occurs primarily in adults and is impacted by lifestyle and genetic factors. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.
4. Gestational Diabetes: Occurring in about 10% of U.S. pregnancies, this condition requires careful management to ensure the health of both mother and child. It increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life for both.
5. Pre-diabetes: Around 96 million U.S. adults have pre-diabetes. Early intervention through lifestyle changes can often prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes.

Each type of diabetes requires a balanced approach to prevent complications, such as heart disease, kidney issues, nerve damage, and vision impairment.

Healthy and Holistic Strategies for Diabetes Prevention and Management

Lifestyle changes can play a powerful role in preventing and managing diabetes. Here are some effective methods:

1. Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes are great choices for managing and preventing diabetes. Bedrock’s dietitians help design meal plans that support these nutritional goals.
2. Consistent Physical Activity: Studies show that moderate exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, for 150 minutes a week improves insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar levels. Physical therapists in the Bedrock Wellness Ecosystem provide patients with safe and effective exercise plans.
3. Stress Management: Chronic stress raises blood sugar levels and may even contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Mindfulness practices, meditation, and physical activities like yoga are helpful in reducing stress. Our Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) program offers counseling and tools to help patients manage stress effectively.
4. Adequate Sleep: Poor sleep quality has been linked to insulin resistance and increased blood sugar levels. Developing healthy sleep habits, like setting a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed, can have a positive impact on diabetes management.
5. Regular Monitoring and Early Intervention: Monitoring blood sugar levels and scheduling regular checkups is critical for understanding and adjusting lifestyle and medication to manage diabetes effectively. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth (TH) through Bedrock make regular monitoring convenient and accessible.

The Bedrock Wellness Ecosystem: A Holistic Approach to Diabetes Care

Effective diabetes management requires a full-spectrum approach to ensure patients have support across all health aspects. Bedrock’s Wellness Ecosystem is structured to provide comprehensive support, integrating medical expertise with holistic wellness practices.

Bedrock Care Management: Comprehensive Chronic Condition Support

Bedrock Care Management (BCM) provides coordinated care that includes:

• Transitional Care Navigators (TCNs): TCNs guide patients newly diagnosed or recently discharged from hospital care, bridging the gap from hospital to home and providing essential education on diabetes self-management.
• Chronic Care Management (CCM): The CCM team develops personalized care plans addressing diet, exercise, and medication, with regular check-ins and remote monitoring for real-time support.
• Advanced Care Planning (ACP): ACP ensures patients and families make informed long-term care decisions, particularly crucial for those with complex or progressive diabetes.
• Behavioral Health Integration (BHI): Diabetes management can take a toll on mental health, and our BHI program provides counseling to address stress and improve emotional resilience.
• Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth: Through RPM and Telehealth, patients can monitor their blood sugar, receive real-time support, and adjust, reducing the need for in-person visits.

Holistic Support Through the Bedrock Wellness Ecosystem

The Bedrock Wellness Ecosystem integrates primary care, specialty care, and wellness services to provide holistic diabetes care, offering:

• In-Home and Telehealth Access: Our providers make routine check-ups, glucose monitoring, and medication adjustments convenient through in-home and telehealth visits.
• Nutrition and Diet Planning: Our dietitians work with patients to create nutritious meal plans, helping manage blood sugar and support weight control.
• Physical Therapy and Exercise Guidance: Structured activity improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health, critical for Type 2 diabetes management.
• Patient Education Programs: Through these programs, patients learn about diabetes self-care and recognize early warning signs, empowering them to be proactive in their health.
• 24/7 Access to Care and Support: Our 24/7 call center provides immediate support for diabetes-related concerns like blood sugar spikes or medication questions, ensuring patients feel secure and supported.

Bedrock’s Unique Approach to Diabetes Care

Our approach is deeply personalized, with each care plan tailored to a patient’s unique needs. Through individualized care, we help improve patient outcomes by creating manageable and effective plans for diabetes care.

Lifelong Commitment to Diabetes Prevention and Management

Diabetes care requires lifelong dedication. As patients’ health evolves, so does the support offered through Bedrock’s Wellness Ecosystem, ensuring patients have the resources they need to continue living healthily.

Written by – Christina O’Leary

Photo by – Milos Dimic