South Eastern Trust Pharmacists, Claire Coey-Niebel, Lynn Jena and Hannah Firth are highlighting the importance of staying safe when living with diabetes as part of World Patient Safety Day.
World Patient Safety Day takes place each year as part of a global campaign led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with a different theme chosen annually to raise awareness and promote improvements in patient safety and the quality of healthcare.
This year’s theme focuses on the safe care of people living with non-communicable diseases, which are conditions that cannot be passed from one person to another. Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide and is the focus for the South Eastern Trust’s World Patient Safety Day campaign.
Patient Safety Pharmacist, Claire Coey-Niebel explained, “This year the theme for World Patient Safety Day is the safe care of patients with non-communicable diseases. Millions of people across the world live with these conditions every day and one of these is diabetes.
“We wanted to use World Patient Safety Day as an opportunity to highlight the importance of managing diabetes safely and making sure our patients know what they can do to protect themselves particularly when they become unwell.”
Patient Safety Pharmacist, Lynn Jena explained that illness can have a significant impact on blood glucose levels for people living with diabetes.
Lynn stated, “Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide. When you become unwell with an infection, flu, vomiting or diarrhoea your blood glucose levels can change quickly which can increase the risk of serious complications.
“As Patient Safety Pharmacists, we understand the risks that people with diabetes can face when their condition is not appropriately managed. It is therefore really important that patients understand what they can do to keep themselves safe and manage their condition appropriately.
“World Patient Safety Day is an important opportunity to put patients at the centre of this message and help people understand how they can protect themselves and manage their diabetes safely.”
Diabetes Pharmacist, Hannah Firth highlighted the importance of following ‘sick day rules’ for people with diabetes when they become unwell.
Hannah added, “If you have diabetes and become unwell, there are some important steps you can take to help keep yourself safe. Firstly, it is really important to stay hydrated. If you are unable to drink large amounts of fluid try taking small sips little and often.
“If you monitor your blood glucose levels, check them more frequently when you are unwell as your insulin requirements may change depending on the illness you have. If you take Insulin, you may need to adjust your doses but you should not stop taking Insulin without speaking to a healthcare professional. If you need help or support, contact your local Diabetes Team or GP.
“It is also important to know if any of your medicines need to be temporarily stopped while you are unwell and when they should be restarted. Your GP or Pharmacist can advise you about this.”
Hannah continued, “If you have been given a ketone meter, remember to check your ketones when you are unwell. This is particularly important for people living with Type 1 diabetes.
“If you follow your sick day advice, but your blood glucose levels remain very high or you are unable to keep fluids down, seek urgent medical advice. You may need additional assessment and treatment.
“People with diabetes can be at greater risk of complications when they become unwell and sometimes it can take longer to recover from an illness. Knowing what to do when you are sick and understanding how your medicines may need to be managed can help you stay safe and support your recovery.
“Patient safety is about making sure people have the right information and feel confident about managing their condition. These simple steps can make a real difference.”