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Tips to Prevent Diabetes Among Seniors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report. This report estimates that more than 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes — high blood sugar that doesn’t reach the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis — lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of disease. Following are some the lifestyle changes that you can adhere by for diabetes prevention among seniors.

1. Minimize sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet.

Sugar and refined carbohydrates are one of the biggest reason for high spikes in sugar level in blood that leads to type 2 diabetes. White bread, potatoes and sugary cereals should strictly be avoided and replaced with a diet rich in complex carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains. They can help delay the onset of diabetes and management of insulin levels in one’s body.

Related: “Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet”

2. Exercise daily to lose extra weight.

Losing extra weight has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. Try to incorporate exercise in your daily routine for at least 30 minutes. Even if it is light walking around the block, exercise can be beneficial as it will help you remain fit and lose weight eventually. So, plan an exercise regimen and consult your doctor for weight management goals based on your personal needs. Stay healthy and remain energetic as you age.

Related: “Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient”

3. Quit smoking.

If you are an active smoker or tobacco user, now is the time to stop. Smoking makes you resistant to the insulin that further leads to type 2 diabetes. Quitting tobacco has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes among seniors. Apart from diabetes, it will also improve your respiratory health and save you from breathing problems and cancer.

Conclusion

Want to give the best care to your senior loved ones but can’t manage time for it? Have no worries! Our caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care are passionate about delivering important in-home diabetes care to the senior population of Wilmington, NC. Call us to find out how we can help your loved one manage life with diabetes at (910)-342-0455 or visiting us online here.

Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient

Do you want to keep your blood sugar steady but are not sure how? Stress not! Firstly, you just have to focus on having a balanced, lower glycemic diet. Secondly, you also need to keep track of what and how much you eat, because eating healthy is an extremely important factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. To help you understand better, we have compiled some important things that you need to consider if you’re a diabetic patient. Scroll down to read more.

1. Foods to Eat as a Diabetic Person

If you have diabetes and high blood sugar levels and wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle, here are some foods that can help you lower your blood sugar levels.

  • Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, chard, lettuce, etc.
  • Avocados
  • Chia seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Flaxseeds

Related: “Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet”

2. Foods to Avoid if You Are Diabetic

Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body without you even realizing it. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to the food you eat. To help you understand better, we have listed some food items that you must avoid in order to maintain a healthy blood sugar level naturally.

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Trans fats, white bread, rice, and pasta
  • Fruit-flavored yogurt
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals and coffee drinks
  • Honey agave nectar and maple syrup
  • Dried fruit

Related: “The Hypertension Diets for Seniors”

3. Exercising

We have all heard this quote: “Health is wealth”. Exercising regularly helps in improving your health while maintaining a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water can also add benefits to your health. So, if you want to stay healthy, start off by exercising. Even simple activities can make a big change to a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Must Have Medical Devices

Nowadays, there are many diabetic devices available on the market. These devices are easy to use and less invasive. So, purchasing these devices will not only help you monitor your sugar level while sitting at home, but will also keep track of your blood level. Some of the best devices are listed below.

  • Ketone monitor
  • Blood glucose monitor
  • Continuous glucose monitor
  • Insulin pumps
  • Smart insulin pens
  • Diabetes management apps

5. Expert Advice

Though we understand that diabetic devices are super handy, consulting with a diabetes specialist is also very important at the same time. These experts can provide you with the best diabetes treatment based on your condition, diabetes level, and type. So, if you haven’t visited a healthcare professional for your diabetes treatment yet, we recommend you do so.

Related: “Home Care Help for Diabetic Seniors”

The Bottom Line

We hope the above advice helps you in maintaining your diabetes. If you need professional and friendly diabetes senior care in Wilmington, NC, look no further than Home Instead Senior Care. Visit our website or give us a call at (910) 342-0455 to learn more about our services.

Home Care Help for Diabetic Seniors

A diabetes home care program covers the health and wellness needs of a diabetic senior. While managing diabetes may a challenge for family members, in-home care is a way for seniors to receive the personal care they need. From daily medication reminders to planning healthy meals, elders can enjoy an independent life at home with the help from a care provider. Discover how in-home services can benefit your diabetic loved one in our blog!

Medication Reminders

Many seniors are capable of taking medications, but reminders are still necessary. Forgetting to take a medication can result in an emergency if glucose levels become too low or too high. With a caregiver at home, family members can have a peace of mind that their loved one has medical assistance if necessary. Caregivers know to look for signs of distress and get help in urgent situations.

Monitoring Blood Glucose

Whether seniors have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is important. A caregiver can gently encourage a senior to check regularly and help them if they have mobility or vision problems. Furthermore, caregivers can document blood sugar results and urge loved ones to follow doctor recommendations for glucose results that are too high or too low.

Meal Preparation

A healthy, balanced diet is key for a senior living with diabetes. If planning meals and going grocery is a requirement, a trained caregiver can help with those activities. It is essential to discuss with the in-home care company which services they offer, such as transportation and so on.

Conclusion

Our CAREGivers at Home Instead Senior Care are passionate about delivering important in-home diabetes care to the senior population of Wilmington, NC. Call us to find out how we can help your loved one manage life with diabetes by calling (910)-342-0455 or visiting us online here.