How Seniors Can Manage Diabetes Effectively
4 October 2021
Diabetes is a disease that affects 30 million Americans every year, including over 14 million seniors. It can develop when an individual’s blood sugar or glucose levels become too high. Seniors with diabetes may not be able to make enough insulin to regulate their blood sugar or may not be able to use insulin in the right way. This can cause too much glucose to remain in the blood and trigger a host of health problems within the body.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this disease that develops in seniors and older adults. Thankfully, there are many great steps that can be taken to either manage diabetes or prevent it altogether. Doing so can stop many serious health conditions from forming as time goes by.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
For seniors with type 2 diabetes, their body struggles to make or use insulin as it should. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be higher for seniors that are not very active, overweight or have close family members with the disease.
Unfortunately, diabetes can cause serious problems within the body if not managed properly. This can include health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, vision problems, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Serious nerve damage can even lead to amputation in some cases.
Symptoms of Diabetes
For seniors with diabetes, there are some symptoms to watch out for. These can include blurry vision, fatigue, frequent urination, and elevated levels of thirst and hunger. Although it can be easy to view these symptoms as regular conditions of aging, it is important to see a doctor and ensure they aren’t signs of something more serious. Your healthcare provider can test for diabetes to see if you are at risk.
Managing Diabetes Effectively
Healthy lifestyle choices can make a huge positive impact on the lives of diabetic seniors. Depending on the level of diabetes, some people may also need to take medication or insulin to properly manage the condition and prevent it from getting worse.
Diabetics need to check their glucose levels regularly to ensure they are at a healthy level. When blood glucose becomes too high or too low, health risks can get elevated. Rose’s Agency caregivers can also help check blood sugar levels and assist with insulin or diabetes medication as needed.
Making smart food decisions is also critical for people looking to prevent or manage their diabetes symptoms. What we eat directly impacts blood sugar levels, so diabetics must learn what is best for their health. Doing so can keep glucose under control and prevent health problems that come with elevated blood sugar. Losing weight can also help improve diabetes symptoms and insulin sensitivity.
Another great way for seniors to manage diabetes is by incorporating daily activity into their lives. This can be as simple as walking more often or doing some light aerobic activity on a regular basis.
Being active five days a week for at least half an hour is a great way to keep blood sugar levels in control and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Seniors should consult with their doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise plan.
Keeping stress and anxiety at bay is also very helpful in managing diabetes. High levels of stress for long periods of time can negatively impact blood sugar levels and make it harder to prevent the symptoms of diabetes.
Seniors can look into meditation, yoga, and other calming activities to help manage their anxiety. Staying social with friends, family, and even pets can help in this regard.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great steps that seniors can take to either prevent or manage diabetes effectively. Rose’s Agency caregivers can be a great support to seniors looking to check their blood sugar, eat a healthier diet, or become more active.
Staying social and well connected with those around them can also be crucial for seniors looking to stay happy and healthy while managing their diabetes. To learn more about how Rose’s Agency Homecare can help manage diabetes for a loved one, please contact us today!
For more questions about getting a loved one caregiver support, please contact us by clicking here.