Seniors and Diabetes: Tips for Managing Blood Sugar

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing diseases, and one out of every four seniors in the US has it. As diabetes brings many other serious complications to the body, seniors are at more risk due to their age. And also, combined with the other factors, like the slow metabolic rate in old age, seniors are more prone to be affected by diabetes.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition and requires thorough treatment. Yet, managing diabetes is possible. In fact, there are many ways to manage and minimize its effects. So, the good news is that seniors can also enjoy their lives and live actively with diabetes. Diabetes care is a priority for a happy and healthy quality of life. There are several resources available to support the patient and provide quality care. Home care providers can help your senior manage their diabetes by assisting with meal preparation, regular exercise and medication reminders.

Managing Diabetes

There are several ways to manage diabetes and live an active life. Some important tips are given below to manage diabetes:

• Staying active is very important as it increases one’s metabolism, which breaks the carbohydrates that help to control the blood glucose level.
• Physical activity such as swimming, cycling, exercise, walking are popular ways of staying active in old age.
• Checking the glucose level of the blood is very crucial. Healthcare professionals may help to tell how and when to measure one’s glucose level.
• Patients taking insulin often are at risk of low blood sugar, so it is good to regularly check one’s blood glucose level.
• To not miss a single dose of medication is very critical. It can be hard to remember, but missing a dose can have a major negative impact on the blood glucose level which can trigger sudden complications.
• Maintain a regular healthy diet with lots of green vegetables. And of course, avoid any sugar intake. It is also important to have a sufficient amount of liquid intake regularly.
• Reducing your senior’s stress level and keeping them away from overthinking as it may trigger a sudden increase of the blood sugar level and blood pressure is important. Keeping stress low is crucial to reducing stroke and diabetes risk.
• Enlisting the help of a diabetic clinic and another medical professional is key. Taking expert opinions and suggestions are the best possible ways to help your senior manage their diabetes.

Conclusion

It is not easy to manage diabetes in seniors- but regular routine can help to manage it easily. In the day-to-day routine of your loved one, preventions should be included as discussed above. Also, it is very important that the senior is constantly monitored. A home care provider can help take care of and look after your loved one- by taking the load off of them and your family, they can better manage their diabetes. Call us today to see how home care can help your senior parent!

Sources

https://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/3/245
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092888/