Diabetes in Older Adults - how to manage
Diabetes is a serious disease, and it affects many older adults. People get diabetes when their blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. The good news is that you can take steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease to develop in older adults. If you already have diabetes, there are steps you can take to manage the condition and prevent diabetes-related health problems.
What is pre-diabetes?
Millions of older Americans have “pre-diabetes.” This means their glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. People with pre-diabetes have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes and having a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include feeling tired, increased hunger or thirst, losing weight without trying, urinating often, or having trouble with blurred vision. You may also get skin infections or heal slowly from cuts and bruises. Some people with type 2 diabetes may not realize they have it because symptoms often develop slowly and go unnoticed. Sometimes older adults dismiss these symptoms as “getting old,” but they can be signs of a serious problem. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
WHAT TO DO TO MANAGE DIABETES?
1- Eat Healthy
All people with diabetes should eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar (including sugar from fruit) and saturated fats. It may help to see a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who is a diabetes educator to help you create a healthy meal plan. Medicare will cover the visits every year so you would not have to pay out of pocket for the visit.
2- Stay Active
Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, and bicycling can help you control your glucose level, manage your weight, and stay strong. The American Diabetes Association recommends exercising 30 minutes each day, at least 5 days a week.
3- Check Glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol Levels Regularly
Your healthcare professional will tell you how and when to check your blood glucose level. In general, people taking insulin, those who are having a hard time controlling blood glucose levels, or have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly.
4- Never Miss a Dose of Medication
It is easy to forget if you have taken your diabetes medication. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to organize your medicines (such as a pill box) and alarms that you can use on your phone, computer, watch, clock, as a reminder to take your medication. You can also use a chart to check off when you take your medicine each day.
5- Examine Your Feet Every Day, care for your teeth and gums
Make sure to look at your feet every day for cuts or signs of infection. If you do see a cut or red patch that looks infected, call your healthcare professional immediately. Keep your feet clean, use lotion to avoid dryness, and wear comfortable shoes that will not cause blisters.
At Argo Senior Living, we help our residents with diabetes manage their condition by assuring they eat a healthy meal, exercise and take their medications. Our dedicated staff is always close by taking care of them. Caring for your loved ones might be a challenge, but at Argo, we have the experience and dedication to manage the condition.
Make Argo your home now! Our promise is to provide a secure and worry-free lifestyle with 24-hour care and assistance.
Looking for a community for a family member or your loved one? We invite you for a personalized tour. Our dedicated staff is ready to answer all your concerns. Tours are available by appointment. Call us at (561)963-8963.
