Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of seniors across the world. While scientists have not yet found a cure for diabetes, the condition can be effectively regulated. Through proper medical care from an endocrinologist, and management at home from a caregiver or senior care professional, seniors can continue to live an active life with diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition affecting the body’s insulin. Within the body there are chemical processes that turn food and drink into glucose (sugar) which provides energy for the day. Insulin plays an important role in this process as it helps glucose enter cells to produce energy. Diabetics have difficulty either producing enough insulin to sustain the body’s needs, Type I Diabetes, or the body is resistant to insulin, Type 2 diabetes. Most people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2. Risks for developing diabetes in seniors include being overweight and/or living an inactive or sedentary lifestyle. Women with a family history of diabetes in the family are also at a greater risk for becoming diabetic.
Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to serious health problems if left unchecked. The disease contributes to ailments such as heart disease, issues with eyesight, kidney disease, stroke, and nerve damage that could lead to the amputation of limbs. It is important that seniors take the symptoms of diabetes seriously and not chalk them up to “just getting old.” A senior care professional who sees a senior on a regular basis can discern when the frequency of symptoms should lead to a visit to a medical professional. Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Blurred vision
- Constantly feeling tired
- Increased hunger or thirst
- Loss of weight
- Frequent urination
- Slow healing
Senior care can help prevent or manage diabetes in seniors
Diabetes can be prevented; but if your elder already has diabetes, senior care can help to regulate the condition allowing the elder to continue a healthy and independent lifestyle. Senior care professionals can help with diabetes by:
- Medication Reminders – Senior care providers can make sure medicine is picked up and taken on time
- Preparing healthy meals consistent with the needs of a diabetic – diabetics require a diet using proper portion sizing, low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar. Lean meats, non-starchy vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats are the best foods for seniors with diabetes.
- Consistent exercise – any physical activity, including walking, dancing, or working in the yard, is important to seniors with diabetes. Exercise lower blood glucose, and helps the body regulate itself, which could lessen the needs for medication and additional insulin.
When family caregivers are not available, senior care professionals can help aged loved ones control their diabetes. Although the effects of diabetes can be debilitating, a proper diet, daily exercise, and medication management will lessen the effects of the disease and allow seniors to maintain the freedom afforded by good health.
Sources
National Institute on Aging – https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people
American Diabetes Association – http://www.diabetes.org/
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Huntley, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
