Diabetes; A Common Household Term To The Elderly

Diabetes is a common condition among older adults and most are aware of what it is and why it happens. Its implications on the aging elderly are varied and often difficult to manage owing to age and personal preferences. A Diabetic’s body isn’t able to produce enough insulin or does not utilize the insulin it makes. The food we eat is converted into glucose and is the source of energy for the body. But, for this conversion to happen and glucose to enter the cells and energize it, the hormone Insulin is needed. When a person suffers from diabetes, the inadequacy of insulin causes excess glucose levels in the blood that further causes varied health problems. It is a serious disease and it affects many older adults, but the good news is that there are ways to prevent type 2 diabetes, which is the most common one in the elderly.

Navigating Diabetes in Older Adults: Key Insights

How is treating diabetes in elders any different?

Diagnosing diabetes in elders is quite different from diagnosing it in young adults. As age-related changes can mean that some symptoms can be masked, or harder to spot. Diagnosing and treating diabetes in elders requires a unique and flexible approach.(Source https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-the-elderly.html)

Treating diabetes amongst the elderly can present unique challenges. Impaired physical functioning amongst elderly patients can mean that adjusting to a diabetes care routine is more difficult. Other disabilities associated with aging can contribute to the complexity of strictly self-managing diabetes. Eating low-sugar foods always might also cause malnourishment in some adults. Undiagnosed depression, social issues, limited daily means, and coexisting health problems are just some of the further complications that might arise in elders. Cognitive impairment can also prove to be an obstacle.

The symptoms of diabetes in the elderly

1)      Frequent urination

As the blood sugar levels are high, the kidney tries to remove the excess by filtering it out.  This causes frequent urination urges in the sufferer.

2)      An excessive urge to eat

As people with diabetes do not get enough energy from the food they eat resulting in tiredness and persistent hunger, irrespective of when they have eaten.

  3)      Blurry Vision

Excess sugar levels in the blood may cause damage to the vessels resulting in blurred vision in one or both eyes. If left untreated for a long while, this might cause permanent damage to eyesight or even a complete loss of sight.

 4)      Increased thirst 

This is a direct result of frequent urination and can cause dehydration. This further leads to excessive thirst in a diabetic person.

 5)      Delayed healing processes

The high sugar levels in the blood may cause damage to the vessels and nerves. This, in turn, affects the circulation of the blood. Even small wounds and cuts take weeks or months to heal, increasing the risk of infections as well.

 There are some more symptoms of diabetes that may or may not be present in the sufferer. This includes unintended weight loss, tingling, numbness or pain in hands or feet, patches of dark skin on the body, frequent itching and recurrent yeast infections.

Ways to manage diabetes in the elderly

1)      Eat Healthy

Any person diagnosed with diabetes should maintain a healthy diet that is low in sugar and saturated fats. This includes sugar from fruits as well. It is better to get in touch with a dietician if required and plan yourself a hygienic meal plan.

 2)      Stay active

As basic as this sounds, it is really important for any person to exercise regularly to keep the cholesterol levels, weight, and glucose level in check. 30 minutes of moderate or mild exercises like light aerobics, walking or yoga can go a long way.

3)      Examine the feet regularly

Check your feet regularly for cuts and infections.  Small wounds on the feet are susceptible to go unnoticed. In case of an infected wound seek expert medical advice. Always take care to keep your feet clean, wear good shoes that cover your feet and use lotion regularly to keep them soft and protected.

 4)      Take regular hearing tests

Deterioration of hearing ability is common in older adults with diabetes. If you or your family think that you’re having difficulty hearing the TV or listening to them, it’s probably the right time to contact a health care provider for a test.

Apart from these, it is important to get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia if you are above the age of 60. These diseases may cause further complications in a person with diabetes. Some other aspects include regular screening of BP, cholesterol and glucose levels. Taking medication on time with regular eye and dental check ups.(Source –https://www.endocrineweb.com/guides/diabetes-older-people/staying-healthy)

 Diabetes has become one of the most common ailments suffered by older adults, but with some simple clean and healthy habits, it can be controlled.

The elderly might require wholesome assistance to live a fruitful life with diabetes.  Primus Reflection delivers full-fledged senior care on its premises. The physical needs are addressed and day-to-day activities made easier with assistance. Regular health check-ups, push-button services, outsourced errand services, group exercise activities are just a few of the amenities at your disposal here. We at Primus, aim to create an elder-centric ecosystem with passionate people and intuitive technology to help us deliver bespoke services and conveniences to the seniors.

So if you are looking for a laid back, happy and healthy retirement life, you know who to call.