Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body processes food, especially sugar. Many seniors have types of diabetes, which can become serious if it isn’t managed. Learn basic facts about senior diabetes prevention and management.
Types Of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. While type 2 is much
more common, especially among aging adults, type 1 diabetes can also
affect seniors.
Type 1 Diabetes
Chronic
Unpreventable
Diagnosed with a blood test
Checked on through regular blood sugar tests
May need daily insulin injections or a pump
Type 2 Diabetes
Chronic
Sometimes preventable
Diagnosed with a blood test
Checked on through periodic blood sugar tests
Often manageable by lifestyle and diet changes; may need medication
For seniors with type 1 diabetes, care should continue as normal.
Caregivers should pay attention to symptoms of hypoglycemia and take care to help seniors manage it. Common occurrences of aging, like memory loss or lack of routine, increase the difficulty of maintaining health.
About Type 2 Diabetes And Seniors
Symptoms:
Feeling tired
Being unusually hungry or thirsty
Accidental weight loss
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Skin infections
Healing slowly from cuts and bruises
Medical Tests:
Blood tests can diagnose diabetes and sometimes even show signs of prediabetes. Get screened for diabetes at annual appointments and ask a doctor for blood tests if symptoms develop.
Type 2 Diabetes Management
See a dietician for help with meal planning for a healthier diet
Get regular exercise (personal training is often discounted for seniors)
Track glucose levels with blood tests as directed by a doctor
Lose weight if obesity is contributing to the disease
A healthy lifestyle can decrease health risks associated with diabetes like strokes. (stop smoking, get more sleep, attend annual physical exams)
In some cases, medication is part of type 2 diabetes management. Ask a doctor if any medications could help prevent type 2 diabetes from worsening. Be sure a senior’s caregiving team is in sync concerning diabetes care to keep blood sugar levels healthy.
Home Care Tip
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be discouraging. The risks of worsening diabetes are serious: people sometimes need amputations. Be supportive and understanding. Find a support group or class about type 2 diabetes to help seniors stay positive and make healthy choices.