Ways to Help Seniors With Diabetes

You don't have to face diabetes alone.We are focusing on seniors with diabetes and how Senior Living Experts can be an excellent resource in helping manage or even help reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month; a perfect time to learn more about the disease.

Facts about Seniors with Diabetes

• Type 2 Diabetes – The most common type of diabetes, type 2 diabetes can quite often be avoided or even “cured” with lifestyle changes.
• Managing Diabetes – Managing your diabetes is extremely important. By managing your diabetes you will reduce your risk of other health issues associated with uncontrolled insulin levels.
• Risk –As you age your risk for getting type 2 diabetes increases. However, with the proper lifestyle changes you can help decrease your risk for getting diabetes.
• Pre-Diabetes – When your body is showing signs of becoming diabetic the term “pre-diabetic” may be used to describe your current state of health. There is also a condition known as insulin intolerance or resistance that puts you at increased risk of becoming diabetic. Here’s more information on pre-diabetes and insulin resistance from the CDC.
• Knowledge is Power – An important part of managing your insulin levels is awareness. According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 people with pre-diabetes do not even know that they are pre-diabetic.
• Seniors with Diabetes Numbers – 11.8 million seniors have diabetes and accounts for nearly 26% of the population being diabetic. According to ADA statistics, this includes both those diagnosed and undiagnosed.
• Diabetes & Death – Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death.

5 Areas That Lifestyle Changes Can Help

It’s almost unthinkable that such a leading cause of death, taking our country by such high numbers, could very often be avoided with the following lifestyle changes:

1. Diet – A healthy diet is the basis for a healthy body. When it comes to diabetes, eating healthier can not only help you reduce your risk for becoming diabetic but is also a way to manage your diabetes if you are diagnosed.
2. Exercise – It seems that we all know and understand that exercise is a big factor when it comes to reducing our risk for most diseases, including diabetes. Even the slightest increase in activity and short bursts of exercise can make a difference.
3. Monitoring – Know your numbers. Work closely with your doctor to test your blood glucose levels. Focus on your A1C and/or eAG levels, which is a very good way to obtain an overview of your insulin levels.
4. Sleep – Sleep is an important factor in helping to battle and manage diabetes. These sleep resources may help.
5. Stress – Stress can increase your insulin levels and cause you to have problems when trying to manage your diabetes. Read more about how stress relates to your insulin levels here.

How the Right Senior Living Can Be Beneficial

The following amenities can be something to look for if you are pre-diabetic, insulin resistant, diabetic or at an increased risk for becoming diabetic. Remember, we can help you find the right senior living facility and/or caregiving to offer some or all of these amenities.

• Meals, depending upon your needs and desires they can provide meals or assist in meal preparation if you enjoy cooking
• Dietician to help you lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and/or follow the right diet
• On site exercise facilities and guided activities that promote moving about safely
• Physical therapy and/or occupational therapy that increases your activity while also helping you get stronger and healthier
• Social atmosphere that helps keep you entertained with people your age; helping to reduce your stress through laughter & friendship
• Possible financial assistance & guidance can help you reduce stress levels about money
• Shopping assistance (depending upon your needs this may include taking you shopping, helping you pick out the best options for healthy eating and helping you find new and exciting products)
• On site nursing staff that can help you with everything from taking your diabetes medication properly to testing your insulin levels
• Caregivers to help remind you to take medications, assist you regularly to keep active and help you make choices that can be beneficial to your overall health
• Light Housekeeping that can help you save your strength and time to focus on enjoying the things in life that you want to enjoy; thus helping you decrease stress levels

Senior Living Experts offers free guidance in choosing senior living that can actually help you take charge of your diabetes and risk for diabetes. Let us work with you and your senior loved one in choosing the right type of lifestyle that can help seniors with diabetes live a healthier, happier life.Photo by isakarakus (Pixabay)