3 Tips to Help Older Adults Manage Diabetes

Many older adults have to deal with managing diabetes, in addition to other health conditions. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and of adults 65 and above or older, 29.2% have some form of diabetes. Managing a late-in-life diagnosis of type II diabetes can be overwhelming. With all the doctor appointments you must see and the responsibility of knowing you must keep your blood sugar in check, it can be challenging for older adults to manage it all.

At Special Touch Home Care, we know managing diabetes is a big concern for older adults and caregivers. With that in mind, here are three essential tips from our experts to help older adults manage diabetes:

Keep Track of Medicine and Glucose Levels
Have Snacks on Hand for Emergencies
Maintain an Active Lifestyle

1. Keep Track of Medicine and Glucose Levels

Ensuring older adults take their medicine is crucial to having the best possible health outcomes. People with diabetes should also check their blood sugar regularly to know how much insulin they need to maintain health. Blood sugar getting too high or too low can be life-threatening, so checking regularly throughout the day is key.

To help someone with diabetes, it’s a good idea to offer to set reminders for them on their mobile device if they are not technically savvy. Some additional assistance may also be needed, such as sending occasional reminders to ensure compliance with their medication regimen. Adding in a friendly reminder to check their blood sugar regularly throughout the day can also be life-saving.

2. Have Snacks on Hand for Emergencies

Whether you have type I or type II diabetes, low blood sugar events can happen. That’s why it’s crucial to have high-sugar items like fruit juice, glucose pills, or other easy-to-use food items to boost blood sugar quickly in an emergency.

Low blood sugar can come with shakiness, dizziness, and confusion, so having something easy to get into the system quickly can prevent life-threatening low sugar levels. Making sure loved ones are stocked up on these items and storing them in accessible places will help manage those emergencies better.

3. Maintain an Active Lifestyle

In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is vital for overall physical health. Regular walks or an exercise class can help seniors with diabetes become healthier; with that healthier mindset, their diet/consumption decisions will also improve.

In addition, because depression is a common symptom of diabetes, regular exercise will boost their mental health and give them the support they need to navigate living with this condition.

Interested in Special Touch Home Care?

While these might seem simple, implementing each of these helpful tips will make all the difference for seniors with diabetes.

If you have someone in your life that may be interested in in-home care, or if you’re interested in in-home care for yourself, we hope you will reach out to us. Special Touch Home Care helps loved ones get the care they need to live comfortably and independently in the comfort of their own home.