How can diabetic patients be benefited from Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy emr plays a valuable role in helping people to manage their diabetes. This can even further prevent any complications that might be the result of this chronic condition.  

Sustainable management and early prevention bring the best outcomes while treating diabetes. The occupational, as well as the physical therapist, can quickly deliver help to the patients for finding ways to manage diabetes. It is very helpful if you are suffering from more than one disease. 

Diabetes is currently affecting more than 30 million adults in the united states alone. The figure varies for Indian citizens.  

Diabetes can also lead to a variety of other physical complications which can negatively affect your lifestyle. For instance, If it is not treated properly, then it can lead to some issues- 

• Loss of vision 
• Less tolerance for any physical activity. 
• Impaired sleep. 
• Lingering weakness  
• Chronic physical pain. 

• Decreased sensations ins hands and feet. 
• Increased risk of kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, and many other complications.  

Does occupational therapy help with diabetes? 

Occupational therapists can take diverse roles while working with clients to manage or prevent diabetes. This is also for those who might have developed any kind of disability.  

They can use general information about diabetes in their instruction book or they specialise in getting the information from a part of the population.  

Occupational therapy can help people in a certain way which is-  

• The therapist makes sure of appropriate or safe ways for incorporating exercise and physical activity into the daily routine. 
• Giving away the techniques for tracking and organising a medication schedule. 
• Promoting healthy food choices and safe cooking methods.  
• Providing instructions when using low vision and other non-visual devices to measure the insulin.  

• Providing the strategies for successfully using a blood glucose monitor whether talking or any other. 
• Incorporating protective techniques and compensating for any sensory loss that includes exposure to heat, cold, or sharp objects.  
• Educating the patients with the techniques to simplify activities and cope with depression. Introducing the dietary changes and exercise programs in steps and enabling them in daily routines.  

How do occupational therapists do it?

Health Awareness and education 

Occupational therapists can help people in examining their lifestyles and get a grasp of their occupations and the environment. The modification of the lifestyle must take place for ensuring healthy choices for ongoing wellness.  

They help their patients by examining the roles, habits, and routines to self-monitor and be aware of what they need to cultivate. The OTs can track the diet or food intake of what they are eating and when they are eating and how these foods are affecting their mood. 

The OTs can also help you with the technological skills of using the occupational therapy practice management software, where the OTs will be available for them even if they are not able to visit the clinic.  

The OTs can present themselves with a plan that is very essential for long-lasting success. They are going to empower you to plan your meal and snacks, monitor your insulin levels, and engage in an easy exercise program.  

Socialization 

Being a part of the community through socialization is an important aspect of being in holistic treatment. The OTs are going to teach you to manage the insulin, prepare safe meals, complete the HEP at home, and measure the outcome.  

Being isolated socially is also a major problem that has health risks. The OTs will also incorporate community integration from the get-go.  

Leisure 

The leisure goals are very satisfying to work on. The Occupational therapists will drill down the patient’s interests and playfully incorporate them to meet your health goals.  

They will provide you with diabetic-friendly exercise groups that are a great source that is a great and fun way to make connections and make the HEPs more enjoyable and easy to adapt to our lives.  

This is very empowering as it’s fun to find a walking partner, a swimming class, or any activity that will enable you to move your body enjoyably.  

A sense of Control 

The person suffering from diabetes could be feeling disappointed all the time or grieving for the former way of life where there were no restrictions. The restrictions can even lead to more serious complications. Thus, the OTs can form a centred approach to eliminate the senseless powerlessness or depression before they even take place in your system.  

They can help you plan out your weekly meals with music or perform any favourite activity.  

In conclusion 

Occupational therapists think outside the box. This can make a huge impact on the lives of a patient who is suffering from diabetes. They will be successful in delivering the strategies in a more empowering manner that will affect your present condition.  

 The occupational therapy practice management software of SmartPT online provides a space for the OTs to deliver the best treatment and manage every patient seamlessly. Schedule a Demo Today.