Senior Health: Facts About Diabetes

Edmonton Senior Health  |  March 27, 2019

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Diabetes

Facts About Diabetes | Many people are misinformed about diabetes. Some don’t realize that it’s a serious disease. There are a number of myths about diabetes, who gets it and why, and what can be done. Know the facts so you can help yourself or a loved one. The following may be helpful.

Facts About Diabetes:

Fact: Diabetes is serious. More people die annually from diabetes than the total of breast cancer and AIDS. Diabetics are also almost twice as likely to suffer a heart attack.

Fact: Diabetes isn’t just a disease for overweight adults. The fact is that most overweight people won’t have type 2 diabetes, although carrying extra weight is a risk factor. Family history, ethnicity, and age also determine health and wellness.

Fact: Sugary sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, and sweet teas may not always be a cause of diabetes, but they raise blood glucose levels and should be mostly avoided if you live a healthy lifestyle. Genetics and other unknown factors trigger type 1 diabetes, but genetics and lifestyle factors trigger type 2 diabetes. Either way, small portions of desserts and sweets are best and should only be eaten occasionally.   

Fact: The truth is that diabetics benefit from the same healthy diets, with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, just like anyone else. Those foods labeled “diabetic” or “dietetic” that might raise blood glucose levels are usually expensive, and always unnecessary.

Fact: Starchy foods don’t have to be eliminated. They can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in small portions. Ask your doctor about portion sizes of potatoes, yams, peas, and corn.

Fact: Every diabetic doesn’t have to take insulin. Type 2 diabetes is progressive in nature, but many people with this disease learn to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Some take oral medicine, but insulin is not always necessary.

Facts About Diabetes Symptoms:

Know the symptoms. Some people fail to recognize them because they’re so mild. One in 11 Americans has type 2 diabetes, and 1 in 4 of those people don’t even know it, so keep this list of symptoms and check back to it from time to time.

• Difficulty feeling satiated although eating enough
• Excessive thirst
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Noticeably slow healing of cuts or bruises
• Weight loss, even though you are eating more (type 1)

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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