What do you need to know about managing diabetes? Seniors represent almost 48% of the total number of people managing diabetes, and that number is expected to increase as the population of adults 60 and overgrows.
As you know, 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 signs and symptoms, it can also make other conditions, like heart and kidney disease, worse.
Diabetes can be managed, but it’s often important for seniorss to seek help from their care team, including their family, physician, nutritionist, and caregiver.
Five Strategies for Managing Diabetes:
#1 – Education:
There is a lot for someone to learn when they receive a diabetes diagnosis. Depending on the physician’s recommendation, a senior’s diet, exercise, medication, and treatment plan may need to change. There are new symptoms, risk factors, and medical needs that a senior may have that may complicate the disease. Seniors need to learn about their diabetes and how to treat it.
#2 – Diet:
Diet plays a huge part in diabetes management for seniors. A nutritious diet, low in sugar, is important for reducing symptoms and complications from the disease. Sugar from fruit should be avoided too, along with saturated fats. Diabetes educators can help seniors plan meals that will successfully help them maintain their health.
#3 – Exercise and activity:
Before beginning a new activity or exercise plan seek advice from a healthcare professional. The American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days per week, but that level of activity isn’t always possible for some. For some, shorter periods of activity, throughout the day, can be just as helpful in managing diabetes. Seniors should always speak to their physician before starting any exercise program.
#4 – Prescribed medication is critical:
Missing a dose of medication can negatively affect seniors with diabetes. Caregivers can prompt seniors to take their medication and set up a system of reminders, whether that’s a pill box, an alarm, a checklist. 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.
#5 – Check glucose and other levels:
Regularly checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels can alert a physician to a possible issue. The physician can then instruct what to do and what to avoid. Most seniors with diabetes will need to keep an eye on their glucose levels.
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References:
Diabetes Canada. “Diabetes Statistics in Canada”. Web 2019.
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.
