Diabetes Management Support
Expert support for blood glucose monitoring and insulin management. Trained in recognising hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. NDIS registered with clinical oversight from registered nurses.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to become too high. This can occur when the body does not produce insulin, does not produce enough insulin, or is unable to use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it is used as a source of energy.
Diabetes can affect many parts of the body and requires ongoing management. Over time, consistently high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet. While there is currently no cure for most types of diabetes, effective management, regular monitoring and appropriate support can help people maintain their health, reduce the risk of complications and live well with the condition.
Types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin. Requires daily insulin therapy to regulate blood glucose.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A metabolic condition where the body cannot use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). May be managed with medications, diet and exercise, or may require insulin.
- Type 3c Diabetes: Occurs when the pancreas experiences damage from causes other than autoimmune disease, affecting its ability to produce insulin. May result from pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, cystic fibrosis or other pancreatic conditions.
- Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, though increases risk of type 2 diabetes later.
Diabetes management requires precision and close monitoring. When done correctly, it prevents serious complications and maintains quality of life. When done incorrectly, it can result in hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar), hyperglycaemia (dangerously high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or long-term complications including organ damage.
Our Diabetes Management Support Services
Home Care Experts provides high-intensity support for NDIS participants living with diabetes. All support is delivered in accordance with the Diabetes Care Plan developed by qualified health practitioners, with ongoing collaboration maintained with the participant’s treating medical and healthcare team.
Our support includes:
- Fully trained and competency assessed support workers providing Diabetes support and Insulin administration
- Supporting the participant to implement their Diabetes Care Plan, including BGL monitoring and recording, and following prescribed medication and insulin administration procedures
- Supporting medication dose calculations where specifically directed by the health practitioner
- Completing required medication and insulin documentation
- Monitoring for signs of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, and following emergency management procedures as required
- Supporting participants with nutritious food choices and mealtime needs in accordance with their Diabetes Care Plan and Mealtime Management Plan
- Recognising changes in health status and escalating concerns
- Supporting the participant with diabetes equipment such as glucometers, injection devices, syringes, pens and pumps
- Communicating relevant changes or concerns to the participant, family, advocate, manager and health professionals as appropriate
All our support workers are trained by a Registered Nurse in accordance with the NDIS Practice Standards, Core Module 1: High Intensity Supports, including including the High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors for subcutaneous injections. Training is aligned with each participant's individualised diabetes care plan. Support workers are assessed as competent before delivering care and receive ongoing support and supervision by a registered nurse.
Who Does What: Support Workers and Registered Nurses
Home Care Experts employs NDIS support workers and Registered Nurses, each with defined scopes of practice. All support is delivered in accordance with the participant's individualised care plan.
Support Worker Responsibilities
Trained and assessed as competent for diabetes management:
- Assisting with diabetes management activities, including BGL monitoring, prescribed medications
- Administering insulin as directed in the diabetes care plan, if trained and assessed as competent
- Recognising and responding to early signs of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis providing immediate assistance in accordance with the Diabetes Care Plan, and follow the emergency procedures.
- Supporting healthy eating, adequate hydration and physical activity as per care plan
- Documenting all blood glucose readings and insulin administration
- Escalating health concerns immediately to qualified practitioners
Registered Nurse Responsibilities
Clinical oversight, guidance and diabetes management support:
- Overseeing the participant’s Diabetes Care Plan
- Supporting review of the participant’s diabetes management in consultation with dietician and participant's health care team
- Providing diabetes-management training and conducting competency assessments for support workers
- Providing clinical guidance and supervision to support workers
- Reviewing changes in BGLs, symptoms or health status
- Supporting escalation where the participant’s condition deteriorates
- Contributing to medication and insulin-management decisions within their scope of practice
Managing Complications
Diabetes management can involve complications such as hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose), hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose), Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and other changes in a participant’s health. Support workers are trained to recognise early signs of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, monitor and record blood glucose levels, follow the participant’s Diabetes Care Plan and Emergency Diabetes Management Plan, and escalate health deterioration to the manager, nurse or appropriate health professional.
Support workers do not independently change insulin doses, medication instructions or the Diabetes Care Plan. Any changes must be made by the relevant health practitioner and authorised management personnel. Registered nurses provide clinical oversight, guidance and supervision within their scope of practice, including reviewing diabetes management and supporting appropriate escalation when required.
All relevant blood glucose readings, insulin administration, symptoms, participant responses and actions taken are documented in accordance with the participant’s Care Plan and organisational procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypoglycaemia and how do I recognise it?
Hypoglycaemia (hypo) occurs when a person’s blood glucose level falls too low, generally below 4.0 mmol/L. It can develop quickly and requires prompt recognition and treatment. Common signs include sweating, trembling or shaking, weakness, dizziness, headache, hunger, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sudden mood or behaviour changes, and numbness around the lips or fingers. If a participant shows signs of hypoglycaemia, support workers should follow the participant’s Diabetes Care Plan and Emergency procedure (if required) and provide support within their scope of practice.
What should I do if blood glucose levels are very high?
If a participant’s blood glucose is very high, follow their Diabetes Care Plan, monitor and record BGLs and check ketones if required. Do not independently change insulin or medication doses. Escalate persistent high BGLs or signs of deterioration to the nurse/manager or appropriate health professional, and call 000 if a medical emergency or suspected DKA occurs.
Can support workers adjust insulin doses?
No. Support workers administer insulin only as specified in the diabetes care plan and only if trained and assessed as competent. Insulin doses are determined and adjusted only by the participant's health care team, health changes and other factors.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when there is not enough insulin available in the body. The body starts breaking down fat for energy, producing acids called ketones, which can build up in the blood and make it dangerously acidic. Signs may include very high blood glucose, excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, extreme tiredness and confusion. DKA requires urgent medical attention, so follow the participant’s emergency management plan and call 000 if DKA is suspected.
How often should blood glucose levels be checked?
The frequency of blood glucose testing is outlined in the participant’s Diabetes Care Plan. Testing may be required fasting (before breakfast), before or after meals, before bed, or at other times as directed by their doctor or diabetes educator.
Available across Greater Melbourne?
Yes. Home Care Experts provides diabetes management support to NDIS participants across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether we service your area, please contact us to discuss your needs.
Ready to Discuss Diabetes Management Support?
Contact Home Care Experts today. Our team will work with you and your healthcare team to ensure safe, confident diabetes management.
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