What Is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin. Insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep them within a normal range. Without proper management, diabetes can cause long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss. There are multiple types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Seniors can be at a higher risk for developing diabetes due to age and lifestyle factors. Seniors may develop complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and neuropathy (a type of nerve damage). 

The Importance of Managing Diabetes 

Managing diabetes is important in order to stay healthy and reduce long-term complications such as heart disease and stroke. Proper diabetes management includes monitoring blood sugar levels, sticking to a healthy, low sugar diet, exercising regularly, taking medications as prescribed and attending regular appointments with a healthcare provider. It is also important to pay attention to potential warning signs of complications such as high or low blood sugar levels, extreme thirst or hunger, blurred vision, frequent urination and fatigue.  

How Can Seniors Manage Diabetes? 

Seniors can manage diabetes by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following their doctor’s instructions. Here are some tips for managing diabetes in seniors. 

• Maintain a Healthy Diet. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for diabetes management, especially in seniors. Eating foods low in sugar and carbohydrates will help to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. It is also important to eat nutritious foods that are high in fiber, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Seniors should be mindful of portion sizes and avoid sugary snacks and drinks. 

• Exercise Regularly. Regular physical activity is essential for managing diabetes. Exercise helps to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce stress and boost energy. Seniors should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, such as walking, swimming or biking. It is important to check with a doctor before starting any exercise program. It can be easy to accidentally overdo it, so it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Do not attempt to exercise if you have an injury or other health problem before consulting your doctor. Doing so could worsen the problem. 

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly. Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for diabetes management. Seniors should test their blood sugar levels regularly and track the results in order to detect changes or trends. It is important to take action when necessary, such as adjusting medications or diet, in order to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. 

• Visit Your Doctor as Recommended. Regular doctor visits are important for diabetes management. During these appointments, your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels and overall health, adjust medications as needed, and provide advice on how to better manage your condition. Reduce Stress Levels. Stress can have a major impact on diabetes management. Prolonged and unchecked stress can cause high blood sugar levels and lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. Seniors should find ways to manage and reduce stress in order to better control their diabetes. Some techniques for reducing stress include meditation, yoga, journaling, talking to a therapist, and spending time with friends and family. Your doctor can also provide advice on managing stress levels.   

Contact BrightStar Care Today 

By following these tips, seniors can better manage their diabetes and stay as healthy as possible. It is important to take the necessary steps to regularly monitor blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and attend regular appointments with a healthcare provider. Doing so will help reduce the risk of long-term complications and other health problems. At BrightStar Care of Fairfax, we can help seniors with tasks like meal planning, grocery shopping and transportation to medical appointments. Contact us at (703) 267-2380 today to find out more about our services.

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