At HC-One, every resident receives care that’s as individual as they are, including people living with diabetes. Managing diabetes in a care home setting requires understanding, planning and teamwork, and our colleagues work closely with residents, families and healthcare professionals to make sure everyone receives safe, person-centred support.
This Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on how our family of care homes support residents living with diabetes and help them lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Insulin helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy. Without proper insulin levels, glucose builds up in the blood, which can cause complications if not managed well.
While there isn’t currently a cure, modern treatments, healthy eating and tailored care plans help people manage diabetes safely and effectively, and this is particularly important within a care home environment.
At HC-One, diabetes care is integrated into every resident’s personal care plan, ensuring that medical, nutritional and lifestyle needs are carefully monitored and supported.
CQC expectations and best practice for diabetes in care homes
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) expects all care homes to deliver safe, effective and person-centred diabetes management. At HC-One, this means we:
- Carry out regular diabetes risk assessments and reviews.
- Train colleagues to recognise signs of low or high blood sugar and respond appropriately.
- Support medication management, including insulin administration where needed.
- Work with GPs, district nurses and dietitians to maintain the best possible care outcomes.
By following these standards alongside individualised care plans, our homes work to reduce risks such as hypoglycaemia, dehydration and unplanned hospital admissions.
Food, nutrition and diabetes care plans
Many people ask: “Do care homes cater for diabetics?”
The answer is yes, and at HC-One, we make sure our approach goes beyond simply managing blood sugar.
Mark Meacham, HC-One’s Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services, explains:
“We provide a varied, balanced menu for all residents, including those with diabetes. Our chefs work closely with care teams to create nutritious meals that support good health while still being enjoyable and appetising.”
There is no need for “diabetic” or sugar-free food products, which often offer no real nutritional benefit and can even cause digestive issues. Instead, we focus on:
- Balanced meals with the right mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and fibre.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
- Regular hydration – avoiding sugary drinks and fruit juices which raise blood sugar quickly.
- Individual preferences, ensuring mealtimes are enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and activity
Maintaining mobility and engagement is a vital part of diabetes care. Within our homes, we encourage residents to enjoy light physical activity where possible, such as walking, gardening or seated exercises, which supports both mental wellbeing and glucose control.
We also personalise mealtimes and routines to each person’s medication schedule, helping prevent sudden drops or rises in blood sugar. This personalised approach is part of every diabetes care plan we create.
Practical diabetes management in care homes
Supporting residents with diabetes involves close observation, teamwork and communication. In practice, our approach includes:
- Regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose and hydration.
- Individual risk assessments to identify changes in health or lifestyle needs.
- Prompt referrals to medical professionals where necessary.
- Emotional wellbeing support, recognising that living with a long-term condition can impact confidence and mood.
Our care home teams work closely with residents and families to ensure people living with diabetes receive compassionate, consistent and clinically safe care.
Living well with diabetes in a care home
Older people living with diabetes can absolutely thrive in a care home environment, with the right support, structure and nutrition plans in place.
At HC-One, our teams work with residents and their families to design a care plan that reflects personal preferences, cultural needs and medical advice. It’s this person-centred approach that helps residents live well, stay active, and feel supported every day.
If you’re exploring care options for a loved one living with diabetes, we’d love to help.
To learn more or arrange a visit, please search for a HC-One care home near you or contact us.