Uncategorized | October 15, 2019
When someone develops diabetes, it means their bodies are no longer able to properly process sugars. The consequences are elevated blood sugar levels and worsening of health or symptoms of other conditions such as heart and kidney disease.
The majority of affected individuals are seniors and with more and more people reaching their 80s and 90s, the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes is only expected to rise.
The good news is that diabetes can be managed. However, in order to maintain a high quality of life, seniors with diabetes need to have a strong support system in the form of their family, caregiver, and physician. Here is how to successfully manage the condition:
Education – Your parents might want to learn everything there is to know about diabetes and how to treat it. With a proper understanding of their diagnosis and recommended treatment regimen, your loved one has a better chance of reducing the severity of the symptoms and managing their diabetes successfully.
Diet – It is imperative that your loved one follows a nutritious, well-balanced diet low in sugar. With such a diet, they can reduce the symptoms of diabetes, prevent health complications, and also feel much better.
Physical activity – Staying active plays an important part in diabetes management. According to the American Diabetes Association, we should all exercise at least half an hour per day, five days per week. However, this may not be possible for your loved one. It is good to know that even shorter exercise regimens can be just as helpful, so make sure to consult your loved one’s medical team on what type of activity they should engage in.
Prescribed medications – Seniors with diabetes have to take their medications as prescribed by their doctor. If your loved one has a hard time following their medication schedule, they can opt for medication reminders like pillboxes, medication management systems, alarms or checklists. Caregivers and family members can provide medication reminders as well.
Regular checks – Your loved one has to check their glucose levels on a regular basis, following the instructions of their physician. It is also important to check blood pressure and cholesterol levels as often as possible.
Diabetes is not easy to manage, especially for older adults who live alone. At Comfort Keepers, we can help your loved one by providing medication reminders, incidental transportation to appointments, meal preparation, exercise supervision, interaction, and much more.
To discover more about our services in your area and how your loved one can benefit from the support of a professional caregiver, contact us today!
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