Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes is rising in prevalence among seniors. Understanding the disease’s signs and symptoms is essential since many older people are unaware they have it. The following details might help spread the word about type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes’s Effects on Seniors
Age is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, so your family members should know what to do if they exhibit any symptoms.
The American Diabetes Association ranks diabetes as the nation’s sixth most prevalent cause of mortality. More than 25 percent of all Americans aged 18 and older, or around 85 million people, have prediabetes.
High blood sugar levels can harm the kidneys, heart, eyes, and nerves if left unchecked. Diabetes is a common problem among nursing home residents and can result in severe disability or death.
Given how mild the early symptoms are, some elderly persons may not even be aware that they have the illness. A complete physical examination from your local doctor is the quickest approach to determining whether you have diabetes.
At Best Senior Homes, our mission is to assist the elderly in maintaining a secure and comfortable lifestyle in their homes. The American Diabetes Association’s booklet, Living Healthy with Diabetes, contains essential advice for managing diabetes and preventing issues if you or a loved one has it.
Diabetes patients know that keeping a healthy weight might aid in managing their disease. If you are obese, even dropping 10 to 15 pounds might make a big difference in your life.
Working out
Regular exercise keeps bones and muscles flexible, relieving stress on ligaments and joints. Exercise also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps to prevent hypoglycemia. According to several studies, frequent aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, may help lower the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, strength training programs have been shown to encourage bone density and muscle growth.
Gardening, strolling, raking leaves, and carrying groceries are all examples of physical exercise.
The advantages of exercise include the following:
- Calorie intake for weight reduction or maintenance
- Decreasing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C
- Increasing one’s strength
- Lowering the possibility of having heart and stroke disease
Maintenance of medication
The cornerstone of diabetic therapy is medication. Before starting new drugs, talk to your doctor about your diet and lifestyle objectives. Before changing brands or doses, make an appointment with your pharmacist.
Your doctor can advise combining different drugs.
Investigate in-home care.
Senior care specialists can help your loved ones understand and overcome any obstacles they may have while getting in-home care. Seniors who need assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation or medication reminders to maintain or control their diabetes may be eligible.
Request more information with Best Senior Homes to learn about the benefits of a residential care home. Your senior loved ones can receive the attention and support they need with the help of personalized residential care services.
