Diabetes is a disease that is slowly becoming recognized as a threat to our society in general. One of the reasons that diabetes has remained a manageable problem for so long is that it is something that has been associated with children and young adults. However, the reality is that diabetes is now a disease that is affecting a wider age range.
In recent years, diabetes has become a problem for more and more seniors. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 26%of Americans over the age of 65 have diabetes. Adult-onset diabetes (diabetes type 2) is a serious threat to seniors because it can lead to some serious medical complications including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes a person to have high levels of sugar in their blood. This can lead to a number of complications, including heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney failure.
Personal care at Home in South Pasadena FL
Diabetes is caused by a failure of the body to properly process sugar. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body attacks itself. In Type 1 diabetes, the body attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce the insulin the body needs to process sugar.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common and is caused by a person not producing enough insulin or by the person’s body not responding properly to the insulin that is produced.
Symptoms
There are several signs to look for when determining whether or not a senior has diabetes. The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
- Sudden weight loss
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Slow healing of sores
- Slow wound healing
- Recurrent yeast infections
- Some seniors may also experience mood swings, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
What Are the Causes of Diabetes Type 2?
The causes of diabetes type 2 are caused by a combination of factors, with genetics being the most significant contributing factor.
The disease is especially prevalent among older adults who have a family history of diabetes. However, there are other factors that can play a role in the development of this disease, including high blood pressure, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment for Diabetes Type 2
The primary goal is to control blood sugar levels to prevent the onset of other complications.
The treatment plan for diabetes is determined based on the individual circumstances of each person. However, there are a few key principles that are common to most treatment plans.
The first thing that should be done is to make sure that the individual is regularly testing their blood glucose. This is an important part of the treatment plan because it allows the individual to monitor their blood sugar levels and make adjustments to their diet and exercise plan accordingly.
A healthy diet should focus on eating low-carb, whole foods. These foods are high in fiber and protein, which can help to control blood sugar levels. In addition to diet, exercise is also an important part of the treatment plan. Exercise is an excellent way to help control blood sugar levels and it also helps to prevent the onset of other medical problems such as heart disease and cancer.
Conclusion
Personal care at home can help your senior deal with diabetes and their daily care needs. A personal care at home provider can remind your senior when to take their medications, ensure they are eating healthy, nutritious meals on a regular basis, as well as provide transportation to their doctor appointments. Consider personal care at home for seniors when your elderly parent is dealing with a diabetes diagnosis.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20type%202%20diabetes%20may%20include%20feeling%20tired%2C%20increased,slowly%20from%20cuts%20and%20bruises.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes.html
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/diabetes/type-2-diabetes#:~:text=Type%202%20diabetes%20occurs%20when,be%20diagnosed%20in%20older%20people.
https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Personal Care in at Home in South Pasadena, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
