How Senior Citizens Can Deal with Diabetes in 2022

According to the CDC, over 100 million adults are suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes in the USA. The 2018 ADA report was even more alarming as it said that 7.3 million diabetic people among the 34.2 million American sufferers were unaware of their health issues. However, the symptoms in elderly people are even harder to detect as similar problems can be observed in them because of the natural aging process.

However, the health of people of more than 65 years of age should be monitored regularly. The CDC says that 25 percent of people belonging to this age group are either diabetic or pre-diabetic. This age group is also the most vulnerable when it comes to developing this auto-immune disease. What are the symptoms that call for checking the blood sugar level and how should an elderly person deal with this disease?

Warning Signs or Symptoms of Diabetes

Some of the symptoms that indicate the chances of having diabetes are:

1. Sudden weight loss or gain
2. Blurry vision
3. Nausea
4. Increased thirst
5. Gum disease, etc.

If you are feeling any of these discomforts, you should consult your physician immediately. The doctor will have you monitor your blood sugar level and discuss the best possible treatment plan for you. Usually, diabetes is treatable with some simple life changes such as dietary modifications and added exercise such as a daily short walk, but some could also be prescribed oral medications. However, in cases where diabetes is severe and can’t be managed by lifestyle changes, patients must take insulin injections regularly.

Health Complications Associated with Diabetes

Diabetes can be fatal, and if left untreated or not managed, diabetes can lead to severe health issues and even death. It is important for people over the age of 65 to get their blood sugar levels checked on a regular basis. Health issues or complications that can be associated with diabetes are:

1. Cardiac issues
2. Loss of vision or blindness
3. Kidney damage or failure
4. Hearing problems
5. Nerve problems
6. Skin disorders

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are two more fatal health complications associated with diabetes. In hyperglycemia, there is an excessive amount of sugar in the blood in the absence of enough insulin in the body. This can cause rapid heartbeats, and a patient can get into a coma due to hyperglycemia.

At the same time with hypoglycemia, the blood sugar level in a diabetic patient can drop all of a sudden. Then, the patient needs a simple sugar source to bring their blood sugar back to normal levels. Along with many discomforts, hypoglycemia can cause convulsions, seizures, and unconsciousness.

How can you overcome the challenge of maintaining the right blood sugar level and what are some ways to keep the health risks associated with diabetes away?

Some Lifestyle Changes Can Help Keep Diabetes in Control

We know that maintaining the right level of blood sugar is really difficult for a diabetic patient, especially in adults that are over the age of 65. People who are limited in the movements or activities they can do are the ones who face the biggest problems. However, with some minor changes in the lifestyle, they too can keep the blood sugar level in check.

First of all, a nutritionist will suggest a low-sugar or sugar-free diet for a diabetic patient. Following this type of diet plan can help keep the blood sugar from skyrocketing. Along with following a proper diet plan, a patient should do some kind of moderate activity for at least 10-30 minutes a day. It is also important to remember if you are taking any medication or insulin to take it regularly.

One key to controlling your blood sugar level is by reducing your stress level. The existing scenario is not going to change overnight. However, there are things you can do to try to find a way to manage your stress level. Some ideas are listening to your favorite music, spending time outdoors, or doing your favorite activity. Limiting alcohol consumption can also help fight diabetes.

Nutritious Food and Regular Exercise for Fighting Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, having a diet plan is a must to help keep your diabetes in control. It is also especially important to eat and not skip meals, by skipping meals it can affect your blood sugar levels. Eating nutritious foods such as vegetables, low sugar fruits, whole grains, and low-fat foods is key.

Simply exercising 30 minutes a day helps to reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Some of these activities include walking, biking, swimming, and hiking.

Conclusion

Elderly people can easily combat diabetes by reducing stress, eating healthy food, and exercising. Most importantly, taking medications or insulin injections as suggested by the physician is key to lowering the effects of diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to many health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. As a result, people with diabetes often have difficulty finding affordable life insurance. However, there are some options available for those who are looking for final expense insurance.