Must Know Facts About Diabetes
Caring for a senior with diabetes can be stressful, especially if you don’t have any experience with it. Diabetes is more widespread than you may think, and there are thousands of seniors struggling to live with diabetes. You or any companion care at home specialist should be aware of several things. Seniors living with diabetes must be much more careful than other seniors. Here are five things to remember when caring for your elderly loved one.
Diabetes Sometimes Has No Symptoms
Nearly one-third of diabetics are unaware that they have the condition. Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, with many people having prediabetes for years before obtaining the diagnosis. When someone has diabetes, it is frequently asymptomatic until the blood sugar levels reach dangerously high. Many seniors who are aware of their disease may not monitor it as regularly as they should when the symptoms are modest. As a result, they may have considerably higher blood sugar levels than they think. Checking your loved one’s blood sugar regularly is critical to preventing diabetes from taking root and worsening.
There May Be Related Problems
Seniors are significantly more likely to suffer diabetic problems than young or middle-aged individuals. Their bodies are more susceptible to the devastation caused by diabetes or a combination of the two. This may be particularly difficult for your loved one, as diabetes problems appear to hit seniors more often, and seniors do not always recover as quickly as younger people.
Nutritional Guidelines Are Not as Drastic As You May Think
Diabetes meal plans have evolved significantly over the past several decades. The emphasis these days is on eating low carbs, since carbs convert to sugar in the blood. However, evidence suggests non-diabetics should also follow a low carb and low-sugar diet. According to studies, seniors are less likely to eat diabetes-friendly meals regularly. Still, they are at the greatest risk of problems if they do not. Fortunately, there are many dishes suitable for persons with and without diabetes. Therefore, having the illness does not mean your loved one’s diet must be bland or that you must create a specific dinner for him or her.
Problems and Complications Can be Reduced
Diabetes complications persist in seniors, often due to age. Therefore, doing all you can to reduce the severity of your loved one’s difficulties is critical. One thing to remember is that most persons with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese and inactive. Caregivers may help your loved one set objectives, such as losing 10-15 pounds (if his or her doctor agrees) and doing 30 minutes of moderate daily activity, such as a brisk stroll. According to research, exercise and weight reduction may significantly decrease diabetes complications and the quantity of diabetes medication your loved one requires.
Your Senior May Develop Other Health Problems
Researchers are discovering striking links between diabetes in seniors and the development of other chronic illnesses common to their age group. Seniors with Diabetes, for example, are twice as likely as those without a history of diabetes to have heart disease. Taking proper care of your loved one requires looking out for other frequent age-related diseases and treating them as soon as they develop.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Bryn Mawr, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
- Elder Care Strategies for Assisting Seniors in Shingles Recovery - December 29, 2023
- Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Can Maximize Benefits - December 19, 2023
- Personal Care at Home: A Guide to Senior Skin Care - December 13, 2023