With the right knowledge and support, seniors can live a healthy and happy life with diabetes. The key is for them to know more about what diabetes is, how to minimize complications, and what they need to do to keep their health in check. Home care providers can be there along the way to support seniors while they find the right balance.
Diabetes in Older Adults
There are a lot of misconceptions about how eating too much sugar causes diabetes, but that isn’t the case. Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. This leads to higher blood sugar levels which can in turn lead to bigger health complications. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed earlier in life, but it can occur later. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type in older adults. Type 1 usually requires insulin, while type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes.
Risks of Untreated Diabetes
Ignoring diabetes is never a good plan. This is one of those chronic illnesses that can lead to major complications. Heart disease, kidney damage, vision issues, nerve damage, and foot problems are the biggest complications to watch out for. Doctors can tell seniors how high their risk factors are so that they can better prepare for the changes they’re likely to experience.
Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes
Most seniors with diabetes find themselves in a position where they need to make some lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet, becoming more physically active, and managing excess weight can make a big difference. Often these changes feel really big at first, however, and seniors benefit from having elder care providers around to help.
Balancing the Diet
One misconception is that seniors with diabetes have to immediately quit eating all carbs. In reality, avoiding refine carbs, like white bread and excess sugar, is a good idea. Complex carbs, like the ones found in fiber-rich vegetables, can help to control blood sugar levels. Balancing everything out with lean proteins and healthy fats helps, too.
Getting More Active
If seniors are able to start exercising, that can do a lot to help control blood sugar. They don’t have to work out for hours, either. Taking a walk or starting a yoga practice could be enough to start. Gradually working up to a bigger workout makes it easier to stick with an exercise plan.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Like other health issues, seniors need to know what they’re up against. That means monitoring blood sugar levels regularly. Home care providers can help seniors remember when it’s time to test their blood sugar levels. They can also help with logging data that doctors can use later to adjust care plans.
Seniors with diabetes don’t have to just give up and accept that their blood sugar levels are out of control. There are a lot of things they can do, especially with the support of home care providers, that can help them to feel better and to be healthier overall.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Lawrenceville, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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