AGING ADULTS AND DIABETES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Managing Diabetes as Part of Senior Care
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body processes food, especially sugar. Many seniors have a form of diabetes, which can become serious if it isn’t managed. Learn basic facts about diabetes prevention and management.
(CDC)
Senior Care Indian Hill OH – AGING ADULTS AND DIABETES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Types of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. While type 2 is much more common, especially among aging adults, type 1 diabetes can also affect seniors.
Type 1 Diabetes
Chronic
Unpreventable
Diagnosed with a blood test
Checked on through regular blood sugar tests
May require regular insulin injections or a pump
Type 2 Diabetes
Chronic
Sometimes preventable
Diagnosed with a blood test
Checked on through periodic blood sugar tests
Often manageable by lifestyle and diet changes; may require medication
For seniors with type 1 diabetes, care should continue as normal. Caregivers should pay special attention for symptoms of hypoglycemia and take care to help seniors manage their disease as common parts of aging, like memory loss or lack of routine, increase the difficulty of maintaining a healthy state.
(Healthline)
About Type 2 Diabetes and Seniors
Symptoms:
Feeling tired
Being unusually hungry or thirsty
Accidental weight loss
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Skin infections
Healing slowly from cuts and bruises
Medical Tests:
Blood tests can diagnose diabetes and sometimes even show signs of prediabetes. Seniors should be screened for diabetes at annual appointments and ask a doctor for blood tests if symptoms develop.
Type 2 Diabetes Management:
See a dietician for help with meal planning for a healthier diet
Get regular exercise (personal training is often discounted for seniors)
Track glucose levels with blood tests as directed by a doctor
Lose weight if obesity is contributing to the disease
Choose a healthy lifestyle to decrease risks associated with diabetes like stroke (stop smoking, get more sleep, attend annual physical exams)
In some cases, medication is part of type 2 diabetes management. Ask a doctor if any medications could be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from worsening. Be sure a senior’s caregiving team is in sync concerning diabetes care to keep blood sugar levels healthy.
(National Institute on Aging)
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, Queen City Elder Care can help. Give us a call today.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Senior Care Services in Indian Hill OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
- Winter Safety Tips for Seniors - November 17, 2022
- Fun Fall Activities for Seniors In Cincinnati, OH - October 3, 2022
- National Senior Citizen Day - August 16, 2022