OMNI takes proactive measures to address expected diabetes epidemic
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
OMNI is demonstrating it is ahead of its time through education measures which will prove preventative in handling a predicted increase in the number of people who have diabetes.

Diabetes is already one of the primary diseases in long-term care. Health-care workers in this sector will likely see more residents with the diagnosis in the future as rates continue to climb. The number of people who have diabetes worldwide has increased dramatically in the past 20 years, according to a research fellow at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).

The research fellow says if society allows diabetes rates to climb it will take a toll on the health-care system. Proactive measures are needed now to address diabetes, given the fact if the pattern continues, more than 10 per cent of adult Ontarians will have diabetes before 2010.

Almonte Country Haven is planning to offer in-services for staff on supporting residents who have diabetes. Almonte nursing home has a good handle on the disease now, as it only has a relatively small number of residents who have diabetes at this time. The home’s director of care says diabetes is on Almonte’s radar screen as an area that will always be of concern.

In addition to providing in-services, Almonte promotes proper nutrition and exercise for all residents of the long-term care home, including those who have diabetes. As well, staff members advocate on behalf of residents to ensure they’re receiving the proper nutrition, maintaining a stable weight and getting exercise.

The four areas often affected by diabetes are the heart, kidneys, vision and development of ulcers on legs. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness and end-stage renal disease and a cause of cardiovascular complications.

OMNI’s scope of practice training program for frontline staff is helping healthcare workers prepare for an increased number of residents with diabetes. The training program for frontline workers equips them with the skills to check residents’ blood sugar levels, a duty that until recently could only be performed by registered staff.

When a home has several residents who need their blood sugar levels monitored many times a day at approximately the same time, it requires a team approach to care.

Teamwork, education and continued proactive measures will help prepare OMNI for what the future holds.