PT implications when treating diabetic patients
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Category: Physical Therapy Professional Forum
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: General discussion for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and other health care professionals.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=857
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Topic: PT implications when treating diabetic patients
Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: PT implications when treating diabetic patients
Date Posted: Jun 07 2011 at 3:55pm
Our user asked: "Hello, I am a student at UNC Chapel Hill and I was wondering if you had any specific insights into important things to think about and teach new therapists with regard to working with diabetic patients. For example: Using heating pads when the patient may not be able to feel if it is burning them. Any interesting or important things you have learned and could pass on to me would be very helpful. Thanks so much for your help!"
Ask a PT Response: "When working with patients that have diabetes there are many issues to consider. Like you mentioned loss of sensation is one of them. Other things to consider are decrease balance, abnormal gait, ulcers, impaired vision, abnormal respiration (shallow - hypoglycemia & deep/rapid - hyperglycemia), etc...
Educating the patient is key for optimal outcomes with exercise and physical therapy. The patient should be taught the importance of assessing glucose levels before and after exercise and to be able to judge what carbs or insulin would be required for the exercise or activity. I hope this helps. I am also attaching some information you might find useful."
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Posted By: AngelaNHPT
Date Posted: Aug 11 2011 at 7:28pm
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Ask the patient how long it has been since she/he ate? Be aware of patient signs of low blood sugar including confusion/dizziness/increased unsteadiness/weakness are some things i have noticed with patients who have been hypoglycemic during treatment.
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