According to the American Diabetes Association, over 25 percent of seniors suffer with diabetes. Simply stated, diabetes is a disease in which the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine.
Caring for a senior loved one with diabetes is a full-time job. Weight stability is one major issue. Being excessively overweight or underweight can be dangerous for a diabetic patient. Diet and exercise play a critical role in maintaining proper weight.
Diets for a diabetic patient needn't be complicated. It simply must be monitored.
Best food choices for diabetics include whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, low-fat proteins, and low-fat dairy. Boil, steam, and broil foods. Steer clear of added sugar, fried foods, excess fats (like bacon), and sweets. Eliminate soda, flavored coffee, sweet tea, and energy drinks.
Blood sugar monitoring is crucial. Depending on the 'stage' of diabetes, this must be done at least once, if not several times per day. Perhaps your patient has been prescribed oral antidiabetic medication or they may have to self-inject the medication. Whichever the case, elderly patients must be monitored in this process. Diabetic medications can cause side effects including headache, nausea, dizziness, and injection site reactions.
Forgetting to take their medication or not remembering if they did or didn't is another problem. Now, you are faced with chancing double dosing or not dosing. Being responsible for a diabetic senior isn't complicated, but it is time-consuming. If you are struggling with the care of your loved one, home care could be your answer. For more information about diabetic senior home care, contact us.
To learn more about Long Term Care download our free Caregiver Toolkit.
Visit us online @ http://phoenix.caringseniorservice.com
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