How Seniors Can Stay Healthy While Coping with Diabetes

By Julie McCormick, Co-Owner | November 18, 2016 | Comments Off on How Seniors Can Stay Healthy While Coping with Diabetes

Senior Care in Clark County VA

Diabetes is a condition that affects the lives of many adults as they get older. In fact, about 11 million elderly adults are coping with this condition in the United States. If not properly managed, the elder’s eyesight, hearing, and heart health may be affected.Senior-Care-in-Clark-County-VA

 

Older adults may find it can be challenging to make the healthy choices needed in order to prevent diabetes from deteriorating their health. With the help of a senior care provider and these tips, your aging parent will be able to stay healthy while managing their diabetes.

 

  • Regularly check blood sugar levels. Seniors with diabetes may develop health complications if their blood sugar is too high or low. By keeping track of their blood sugar levels, their doctor will be able to determine if the elder’s current treatment is working or if it should be changed in any way.
  • Manage your diet. The foods eaten by elders with diabetes are very important and must be tightly controlled. Some foods, such as carbohydrates, may cause spikes in the senior’s blood sugar. A dietician can help you plan out meals and grocery lists that are full of healthy foods their body needs. Portion control is just as important as what they eat, so you or their caregiver should closely monitor how much food your loved one is eating in each meal.
  • Manage medications. The medications prescribed by the elder’s doctor are critical for managing their condition. If you are concerned that your loved one may forget to take their prescriptions, a professional senior care provider can remind the elder of when to take their medication. Also, alert the doctor if there are any side effects that you have noticed with their medications.
  • Get physically active. Frequently exercising will help the senior lower their blood sugar levels. High impact workouts are not necessary and may actually be dangerous to the elder’s health. But with their doctor’s approval, low impact workouts are exactly what they need to manage their condition and stay healthy. Biking, water aerobics, walking, and dancing are all excellent forms of exercise the senior can participate in.
  • Get regular checkups. Making regular doctor appointments are necessary in order to manage the elder’s condition. Their physician will be able to detect any health complications or other conditions while they are still in the early stages, increasing the possibility of getting it treated.

 

Diabetes can be an extremely dangerous condition if the elder is not taking care of their health. With these tips, your loved one will be able to stay healthy and free of complications while they cope with their diabetes.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Clark County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities

 

Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/diabetes-pictures/type-2-diabetes-health-tips-for-seniors/#01

Julie McCormick, Co-Owner
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