Diabetes isn’t restricted to a certain age group, but it is more common in older adults. This common condition can severely damage a person’s health if it is not properly managed.
Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. It is produced within us and derived from the food that we consume.
Insulin is a hormone used to get glucose into our cells where it is needed. A person with diabetes may not produce enough insulin or their body may not utilize it properly. This causes glucose to remain in the bloodstream.
If left unchecked, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. It increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. It can cause diabetic retinopathy which occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged.
Diabetes can also increase harmful bacteria in the mouth, make it harder for the stomach to empty, and damage the kidneys.
Unmanaged diabetes can severely impair a person in many ways and even lead to death. That’s why it’s so important for every senior in assisted living to know their risk and take steps to protect themselves from the complications of diabetes.
If you haven’t already, check in with the staff at your senior living community. They can provide support and ensure that you are served a diabetic-friendly diet.
The Two Types of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, known as type 1 and type 2. Gestational diabetes is technically a third type, but one that doesn’t typically apply to senior citizens. Gestational diabetes appears during pregnancy. Women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 later.
- Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Patients with type 1 diabetes make little to no insulin. Their immune system will attack cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing the hormone.
Without insulin, blood sugar levels will increase. This type is often diagnosed in children and younger people. The median age at diagnosis is 12 years old, but it’s commonly diagnosed in patients between the ages of four and 40.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition that must be managed for a person’s entire life. There is currently no cure, however, treatment and proper management can slow or even reverse progression.
- Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when a person’s body doesn’t use insulin effectively and blood sugar levels are too high. This occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone, and cells become resistant to it.
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. It often appears later in life, with the average age at diagnosis around 40 years old. Most patients are over age 45 when they are diagnosed.
Type 1 is usually considered a worse condition compared to type 2 because it is an autoimmune disease while type 2 can usually be managed through lifestyle changes and treatment. The body is still producing insulin, which makes the disease easier to control.
Both types of diabetes are lifelong illnesses. However, it is possible to go into remission. For type 1 diabetics, that can mean a temporary reprieve. Long-term remission is rare for type 1 patients.
Type 2 diabetics can also go into remission through healthy lifestyle changes and weight loss. Long-term remission is possible and more likely for seniors with type 2.
Signs That You May Be Diabetic
Some seniors are diabetic and may not know it yet. Early detection is essential to a good outcome. If you notice any changes to your health and wellness, consult a doctor right away. This is especially true if you experience any of the following symptoms of diabetes.
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired and fatigued
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Feeling excessively thirsty
- Skin that’s itchy, dry, or develops rough spots
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Cuts and sores that are slow to heal
- An increase in infections like UTIs and skin infections
- Blurred vision or dark spots and floaters
- Burning, stinging, or pressure on the eyes
No symptoms may be present during the early stages of diabetes. Some may be subtle and easy to ignore. If you notice any changes or if you have concerns, now is the time to talk to your doctor.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Diabetic Seniors
Healthy lifestyle changes are essential to managing diabetes in seniors. The good news is that these changes can have a positive effect on all aspects of a person’s health. Managing weight, eating nutritious food, and getting exercise are good for balance, mobility, and stamina as well as controlling blood sugar.
What can seniors in assisted living do now to lower the impact diabetes has on their lives?
- Eat Healthy Foods
Glucose is directly related to the foods we eat, so naturally this is one of the first things seniors should consider changing. Eat a diet that’s rich in lean protein, high-fiber carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of saturated fats.
Good choices include vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, and nuts. When eating fruit, make sure you choose those that have a lower glycemic index like pears, apples, and berries. Pair fruit with healthy fats and protein to help slow the absorption of sugar.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids Daily
Seniors with diabetes should ensure that they drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary beverages like soda. Good choices include water and beverages that are sugar-free and caffeine-free. Diabetics should avoid sugary energy drinks, soda, and fruit juices.
Seniors have a higher risk of dehydration due to changes in kidney function and a reduced sense of thirst. Some medications also increase the risk of dehydration due to increased urination. Diabetic seniors should be mindful of these factors to prevent complications.
- Exercise and Stay Active
Exercise is a great way to manage diabetes. A good workout helps muscles use glucose, improving insulin sensitivity. Blood sugar levels are lowered, and the body burns calories which helps with weight loss. Physical activity also gets the heart pumping and improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Check with your assisted living facility to learn more about senior-friendly exercise classes. Many communities offer group activities that are fun and safe for older adults including those with limited mobility.
- Take Prescribed Medications
Follow your doctor’s orders and take medications as prescribed. Diabetics are often prescribed medications like metformin to control blood sugar and protect vital organs. Some may require injected insulin when oral medications aren’t enough.
Other medications may be prescribed depending on your situation and health needs. Contact your doctor if you have questions or experience side effects.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetic seniors should regularly check their blood sugar levels. This provides insight into how well they are managing the condition. It can also serve as an early warning if blood sugar levels start to rise.
This is often done at home using a glucose meter. A needle called a lancet is used to prick the finger and draw a small amount of blood that is applied to a test strip. The meter shows the results once enough blood is applied. Your doctor can provide a prescription for a glucose meter and associated supplies.
- Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Many seniors with diabetes struggle to get restful sleep. Some may suffer from insomnia or other conditions like restless leg syndrome, nocturnal hypoglycemia, and sleep apnea.
Poor sleep can cause hormonal imbalances that cause blood sugar levels to go up. Seniors who are sleep-deprived may also become less responsive to insulin.
Try these 10 tips that help seniors get better sleep along with the healthy lifestyle changes listed above to prevent further complications.
- Schedule Regular Health Screenings
Diabetic seniors should stay on top of their annual health screenings. This includes checking blood pressure and blood sugar as well as urine tests for kidney function. Other screenings your doctor might recommend include foot examinations, cognitive function assessments, and eye exams.
Knowledge and a healthy lifestyle go a long way in protecting seniors from complications related to diabetes.
