Diabetes: The Long Hurting Condition

Diabetes doesn’t need an introduction. According to WHO, 422 million people are living with diabetes in the world.

It is one of the most common chronic medical conditions. In other words, a long hurting condition.

As a metabolic disease, diabetes damages the nerves, kidneys, eyes and other vital organs by simply increasing blood sugar levels.

Diabetes in Seniors

Diabetes is most prevalent in older adults and a leading cause of lower-extremity amputation, visual impairment, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Prolonged and untreated hyperglycemia, decreased physical activity, and reduced metabolism rate together makes diabetes a more prevalent condition in seniors.

Diabetes Management for Seniors

With regular medical checkups, a controlled and healthy diet, and physical activity, seniors can manage diabetes without any severe complications.

Before that, learn more about the types and the symptoms of diabetes to understand and stick to better management measures.

Types of Diabetes

The most common type of diabetes is called Type 2 Diabetes. Yes, the insulin-related one. But there are others too. Let’s take a brief look at each type.

• Type 1 Diabetes - For some unknown reason, your immune system attacks the pancreas gland, which produces insulin. Lack of insulin leads to Type 1 Diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes - Genes, being overweight, and leading an inactive lifestyle, together can lead to this type. And, the body becomes resistant to insulin which leads to increased sugar levels.
• Prediabetes - The person has an increased blood sugar level, but it is not enough to be diagnosed as diabetic.

The other type includes gestational diabetes, which occurs due to anti-insulin hormones produced by the placenta.

The Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes are too mild to spot unless you pay close attention. They also mimic the symptoms of various conditions.

• Symptoms of Type 1: Increase appetite and thirst associated with unexplained weight loss. Also, it causes frequent urination and blurry vision.
• Symptoms of Type 2: Shows the same symptoms as Type 1 but at an extensive level. Sores that do not heal and extreme fatigue are also observed.
• Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes: Most women do not show any signs. It is observed during the routine blood sugar test.

In most cases, diabetes goes undetected for months to years. However, if you are experiencing the symptoms of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes for an unexplainable reason, visit your doctor.

Diabetes Management - Best Tips for Seniors

Managing diabetes can be easy if you are conscious about what you eat, keeping yourself active, managing your weight, and, most importantly, being positive.

In any given scenario, starting a healthy lifestyle covers three of the most important aspects of life - Diet, exercise, and medical help. The same is expected of the person with diabetes.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or are in the prediabetes stage, here are a few tips you can implement in your life and experience better outcomes.

1. Best Diet for Diabetes: 

When it comes to diabetes, how you eat is more important than what you eat. Here are a few hacks for you to create a meal plan.

Plate Method - It is a simple method compared to the other diabetic diet methods.

• It simply suggests filling 50% of your plate with non-starchy foods such as leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, and squash.
• The other 25% goes to protein sources like chicken, eggs, and fish.
• The other 25% is for whole grains, legumes, fruits, and dairy products.

Carb Counting - Popular and most followed method. It counts all the carbs that you are consuming. Take help from a registered dietitian to give a better diet plan.

Glycemic Index - Glycemic index gives a ranking for foods based on their quality of increasing blood sugar. If you have diabetes and follow this method, stick to the lowest glycemic index foods.

On a general note, a vegetarian diet is more effective for seniors with diabetes than a non-vegetarian diet.

However, understanding the diet choices for diabetes is complex. And it may vary from person to person. Consult with your dietician before following any diet plan.

2. Exercise for Diabetes:

Cycling, swimming, jogging, or a simple walk, you can follow any type of physical activity that your body allows without significant discomfort.

Mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, and breathing workouts help you relieve stress by regulating your blood pressure.

3. Regular Medical Checkups for Diabetes:

Apart from the prescribed blood sugar test, the person needs to undergo regular medical checkups to ensure the health of your organs.

Tests like HbA1c (blood sugar level over time), blood pressure, blood lipids, eye check, kidney check, and foot check can help you avoid severe complications much in advance.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, but it certainly is not the end of it. There are diabetic people living happily for years by following a healthy lifestyle.

If you are a senior living alone and finding it hard to manage your diabetes, get in touch with the Athulya Assisted Living facility in Chennai.

Our senior living community is helping thousands of seniors with diabetes live a healthy and contented life, covering the most important aspects of life - diet, exercise, and medical checkups.

Visit www.athulyaliving.com for more details.