Seniors are more likely to develop diabetes than people of other age groups. Inactivity and the inability to manage blood sugar levels lead seniors to diabetes. Chalfont Home care professionals discuss some steps your loved one can take to stave off the symptoms associated with the disease.
1.Do Regular Exercise
Staying active by regular exercise and other physical activities can make seniors strong, maintain a healthy weight, and lower their blood glucose levels. Seniors should exercise for at least 30 minutes each day to manage symptoms of diabetes. If this seems too exhausting, you can break it up into three 10-minute workout sessions throughout the day. Walking, biking, and swimming are some of the best aerobic exercises for older adults with diabetes.
2.Manage Medications Properly
It is wrong for aging adults to miss a dosage of their diabetes drugs. Not taking the right dosage at the right time can cause diabetic senior’s blood sugar levels to increase. High blood sugar levels can cause ketones, which can be very dangerous. Failing to properly take diabetes medication can also increase a senior’s risk for other serious health issues. Use tracking charts to help your loved one take medications on time. You can also use reminder apps on your smartphone and computer to avoid missing any dosage.
3.Monitor Glucose Levels
Pay close attention when your loved one’s doctor explains how to check your loved one’s blood sugar levels. Diabetic seniors who are over the age of 65 and take diabetes medication are found to be at a higher risk of hypoglycemia. This is why monitoring your loved one’s blood glucose levels is important. Watch out for the symptoms of hypoglycemia, including hunger, dizziness, confusion, and sweating.
4.Eat a Healthy Diet
A senior’s diet can control his or her blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Serve your loved one a meal with healthy starches like oatmeal, whole grains, and other food items with very little or no added sugar. Seniors should also include beans in their diets because they are high in soluble fiber, enhancing the feeling of fullness. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna have healthy protein that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.
5.Control Stress
Diabetic seniors do not make enough insulin to help keep their blood glucose levels normal when stressed. However, controlling stress can help seniors prevent their bodies from producing high stress hormones that elevate blood sugar levels. Help your aging loved one control stress and manage symptoms of diabetes by ensuring he or she meditates, works out, gets plenty of rest, and stays socially active.
6.Regular Eye Exams
The impact of diabetes on eye health and vision is significant. Seniors should prioritize their ocular well-being by scheduling and attending regular eye examinations. These examinations serve as essential preventive measures, enabling the early detection and timely management of any potential eye-related complications stemming from diabetes. This proactive approach allows seniors to safeguard their vision and overall health more effectively.
7.Mindful Eating Practices
Mindful eating is important for seniors with diabetes. They can improve their eating by eating slowly and paying attention to when they’re full. This helps control overeating, aids digestion, and keeps blood sugar stable. Making mindful eating a habit lets seniors make healthier food choices, boosting their overall health.
8.Emergency Preparedness
Creating a thorough emergency plan is important for seniors who have diabetes. This plan must include important things like a list of people to call in emergencies, simple medical details, and enough medicine and tools to check blood sugar. This plan helps seniors handle their diabetes well, even if unexpected things happen. This careful planning boosts their confidence and keeps them safe no matter what comes up.
9.Adaptation to Changing Needs
As seniors get older, their health needs can change, and the way they manage diabetes might need to change, too. Talking openly with their healthcare providers is crucial. This helps make sure that their diabetes plan still works well and is changed to fit their new needs. This way, they can keep caring for their health as best as possible.
Seniors with diabetes often need help with daily chores. Whether your loved one requires part-time assistance with daily activities or to manage symptoms of a serious disease, consider hiring professional home care Chalfont Families should opt for a reputable elder in-home care provider in their area to allow their loved ones to get assistance while aging in place.