Diabetes management may not be the same for every patient and proper treatment is necessary. So, it is important to speak with your diabetologist for the best treatment methods.
Utmost attention and care are needed for elder diabetic patients. Let us take deep dive into its further complications and steps for management.
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing steadily and the impact is heavier in older adults. Having diabetes can increase the chance of other health ailments at any time. Because your body's capacity to control sugar weakens with age, older adults are more prone to type 2 diabetes. Consult the best diabetologist in Coimbatore to control your diabetes.
So, what are the significant impacts of diabetes on older adults?
Diabetes and high blood pressure usually coexist in the elderly. Having these disorders increases your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and renal difficulties.
Diabetes can lead to visual disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. If left untreated, it might result in vision loss.
Diabetes can lead to kidney disease at any time. Over time, the increased blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the kidneys. It leads to reduced kidney function, and in severe cases, it may lead to failure. Diabetic older persons are more prone to renal issues.
Diabetes increases the risk of depression in older persons. Diabetes may be demanding and stressful - leading to depression. Common signs can be - sadness, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and frustration.
The risk of falls can lead to further injuries. Diabetes in older persons is more likely to be treated with several drugs, which might increase the risk of falling.
Any condition can lead to emotional and social challenges, impacting the quality of life. As managing diabetes can include physical activities, monitoring sugar levels, diet restriction, and medication.
Refers to the decline in cognitive ability like memory, thinking, and reasoning. The degree can vary depending on disease treatment, blood sugar control, general health, and other risk factors.
Drug interactions are more likely while using many drugs. Drugs can interact, resulting in decreased efficacy or increased negative effects. This may aggravate pre-existing ailments or bring new difficulties.
To control diabetes, diet can be the better option. However, as their capacity to taste and smell declines, they experience a lack of appetite. Furthermore, their energy levels drop, and depression may play a role. So, here are a few tips to control your diabetes:
Having three well-balanced meals at regular times is needed for diabetic patients. This makes one have a steady blood glucose level. Artificial sweeteners and table sugars impact blood glucose levels, leading to hyperglycemia.
The order of the components in packaged foods is from most to least total content. So, sugar at top of the list means more quantity of sugar content included. Discover hidden sugar sources such as corn syrup, fructose, and dextrose. Knowing sugar's various forms can help buyers stay away from all added sweets.
Change your diet and food routines if you observe any behavioral patterns. For instance, if your blood sugar starts to decrease in the late evening, consider snacking on fruit or a little amount of salad in between meals.
Even older age diabetes can increase the risk of a sedentary lifestyle. Physiotherapy is a better option for people confined to a bed or chair.
An active lifestyle in older years helps to maintain mobility. It can help you maintain your self-care, enhance your mental health, and avoid falls. Staying active decreases the chance of developing heart disease and nerve damage while assisting with blood sugar regulation. Additional benefits include - low bad cholesterol levels, improves balance, and feeling less stressed.
One can keep tabs on sugar levels by having a glucometer at home. Keep a blood sugar meter, phone, or paper record with you when visiting your healthcare provider to track your levels. Use an app on your cell phone or keep a written daily record.
One often forgets the key to managing diabetes, it is nothing but self-care. Your emotional well-being is vital for self-care. Negative thoughts have an impact on how effectively you care for yourself.
Many are facing any kind of health issues or a sense of uncertainty. So, making up a mind not to bother about it is necessary. Living with diabetes can be difficult at times. Jumping over those obstacles may get more difficult as you get older, but it is not completely impossible. Certain problems become more likely as people get older. However, with attention such risks may be mitigated.