Diabetes Prevention and Care

Blog  |  August 19, 2019

Diabetes Prevention and Care | Diabetes is a condition that prevents someone’s body from properly processing sugars, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and negative health effects as a result. While diabetes has its own signs and symptoms, it can also make other conditions worse – conditions like heart and kidney disease.

Having diabetes almost doubles someone’s chance of having a heart attack.

Diabetes can be effectively managed, but it’s often important for older adults to seek help from their care team, including their family, physician, nutritionist and caregiver. Here are some strategies for people dealing with diabetes:

• Education – It is important for seniors to understand their Diabetes diagnosis and treatment regimen Depending on the physician’s recommendation, changes may need to be made to a senior’s diet, exercise, medication and treatment plan. There are also new symptoms, risk factors and medical needs that a person may have. It’s important for older adults to learn everything they can about their diabetes and how to treat it.
• Diet– Diet plays a huge part in diabetes management. A nutritious diet that is low in sugar is important for reducing symptoms and complications from the disease. Sugar from fruit needs to be considered too, along with saturated fats. Diabetes educators can help seniors plan meals that will successfully help them maintain their health.
• Exercise and activity– Seeking advice from a health care professional is the best first step for seniors that want to create an activity or exercise plan. While the American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days per week, that level of activity isn’t always possible for some. However, shorter periods of activity, done throughout the day, can be just as helpful when managing diabetes. Seniors should always speak to their physician before starting any exercise program.
• Prescribed medication is critical– Missing a dose of medication can have negative effects on diabetes sufferers. Seniors that have a hard time keeping track can set up a system of reminders, whether that’s a pill box, an alarm, a checklist, or a caregiver that can prompt them to take medications. In addition to prescribed medications, vaccines can also be a useful tool in diabetes management – for example, complications that are caused by the flu can be more severe for those with diabetes.
• Checking glucose and other levels– Most seniors with diabetes will need to keep an eye on their glucose levels. A physician will provide instructions on how often someone should be checking, and what to watch out for. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels can also indicate a problem – those should also be checked on a regular basis by a healthcare professional.

Comfort Keepers® Georgian Triangle Can Help with Diabetes Prevention and Care.

If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients’ exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle office.

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca

Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

References
Endocrine Web. “9 Ways Older People Can Manage Their Diabetes to Stay Healthier.” Web. 2015.
National Council for Aging Care. “Seniors and Diabetes: A Complete Guide.” Web.
Diabetes Forecast. “5 Ways to Help Seniors With Diabetes.” Web. 2014.
American Diabetes Association. “Older Adults.” Web.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

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