Prolonged high blood sugar can lead to complications, including nerve damage in the feet, which can lead to foot ulcers. Physical exercise can lower blood sugar levels because it increases glucose utilization by active muscles. One recommended exercise for people with diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot exercises. The goal of this therapy is to prevent ulcers and help improve blood vessel function in patients with diabetes mellitus. Nursing care was provided to Mrs. H, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), severe GI distress (GAE), nausea, and vomiting. The method used was a nursing process approach, data collection through interviews, interventions, and the main implementation of diabetic foot exercises.
The nursing assessment revealed that the patient complained of weakness, dry mouth, drowsiness, and a blood sugar level of 259 mg/dL. The intervention provided was diabetic foot exercises. Implementation was provided for 5 x 24 hours during the patient's stay at Darmayu General Hospital, Ponorogo. A final evaluation was conducted after 5 days, revealing a decrease in blood sugar levels following the diabetic foot exercises.
Nursing care for patients with diabetes mellitus and unstable blood sugar levels is expected to provide an overview and apply guidelines in providing nursing care. Diabetic foot exercises can be provided to patients in addition to pharmacological therapy.