{"id":17918,"date":"2022-09-28T22:05:39","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T22:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextdayaccess3.wpengine.com\/?p=17918"},"modified":"2023-08-18T15:42:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:42:06","slug":"practical-ways-to-manage-diabetes-in-aging-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextdayaccess.com\/practical-ways-to-manage-diabetes-in-aging-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"Practical Ways to Manage Diabetes in Aging Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 130 million people in the United States have diabetes<\/a> or are pre-diabetic. Nearly 50% of adults over the age of 65 are pre-diabetic. If you are a caregiver, there is a chance you are helping manage diabetes in aging adults or needing to learn about pre-diabetes.<\/p> If it is not controlled, long-term complications can include:<\/p> We have made an essential checklist for caregivers supporting someone with diabetes. This checklist will hopefully give them a better quality of life by leading a healthier lifestyle.<\/p> To ensure you give the best care it is important you educate yourself on diabetes. So, what is diabetes? <\/p> According to the World Health Organization, \u201cDiabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar) which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.\u201d There are three types of diabetes: <\/p> Type 1<\/em> \u2013 Where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. <\/p> Type 2<\/em> \u2013 Affects the way the body processes blood sugar. <\/p> Pre-diabetes<\/em> \u2013 A condition in which blood sugar is high, yet not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. <\/p> For more information on diabetes, visit these online resources, American Diabetes Association<\/a> or Mayo Clinic.<\/p> Being physically active<\/a> helps keep blood sugar levels down and aids in weight loss. However, it\u2019s important to know the best time to exercise. If the blood sugar is low, it could be dangerous to exercise. It is best after a meal, when blood sugar levels are generally higher. <\/p> Blood sugar levels rise when a person is agitated, frustrated, and stressed. People that do not have diabetes have a fight or flight mechanism when stress increases. This mechanism does not work for people with diabetes\u2014instead, their blood sugar spikes. Teach your aging loved one positive stress relieving techniques such as yoga and meditation. <\/p> With diabetes, you can have diabetic emergencies at any time. These emergencies include fainting from low blood sugar, going into shock from diabetic ketoacidosis, or even developing a wound that turns into a severe infection.<\/p> When you cannot be with your loved one a Medical ID tag can be a helpful tool for anyone coming to your loved one\u2019s aid. You could also consider purchasing a medical alert piece of jewelry that sends a message to 911 with the push of a button. <\/p> There are at-home blood sugar monitors that track accurate blood glucose levels. Teach them how to use this device properly and record how their diet, physical activity, and stress are being controlled over time. <\/p> There are support groups available for caregivers of aging adults with diabetes. At Next Day Access, we are also here to lend a hand. We offer accessibility devices like grab bars and handles or mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters.<\/p> Sometimes your loved one will feel weak as they battle diabetes, and we have solutions to help them in those times. Don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Next Day Access<\/a> if you have questions about our products and services.\u00a0<\/p>5 Ways to Help Manage Diabetes in Aging Adults<\/h2>
Learn about Diabetes<\/h3>
.<\/s> <\/p>Help Aging Adults with Exercise<\/h3>
Determine Stress Relieving Techniques<\/h3>
Ensure the Aging Adult has a Medical ID<\/h3>
Help with Self-Monitoring<\/h3>