According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 percent of Americans over the age of 65 suffer from diabetes. Living with diabetes can present unique challenges, but it can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes such as improving your diet and exercising more. Many diabetes medications can help you control your diabetes and stay healthy.
Elder people with diabetes have higher rates of premature death and illnesses such as hypertension, and heart disease. Diabetes also puts older adults at risk for several common geriatric syndromes, such as cognitive impairment, incontinence, falls, persistent pain, and depression.
What is type 2 diabetes?
The food you eat is broken down into a sugar called glucose that gives your body the fuel it needs to work correctly. Your body makes insulin to use glucose as energy and allows your body’s cells to receive the glucose they need. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin. Without sufficient insulin, cells are unable to use the glucose as energy and the glucose stays in your blood. High blood sugar can cause eye, kidney, nerve, and foot disorders. If left untreated, dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma.
Managing your diabetes
Elder people with diabetes live long, healthy lives. While your healthcare providers can guide you on how to manage your diabetes, it requires day-to-day lifestyle changes that only you can make. There are many ways to effectively deal with and control diabetes, including:
- Eating moderate portions and a healthy diet
- Exercising
- Checking your blood glucose as directed
- Eating and taking prescribed medicine on schedule
- Quitting smoking
- Seeing your doctor regularly
- Educating yourself about diabetes
Diet
If you are overweight, losing weight can help improve your diabetes– losing just 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference. The best way to lose weight is to do it gradually. Seek the guidance of your doctor or dietitian can help you create a diet that will fit your individual needs.
In the past, diets for elderly people with diabetes were very restrictive, but healthcare professionals have come to discover that there is no “one size fits all” diabetes diet. While you most likely will need to make changes in what and how much you eat, the more you educate yourself on good nutrition for managing diabetes, the more flexibility you will have in deciding what’s on the menu. With a little creativity and planning, you can still enjoy your favorite foods.
It’s easiest to first cut down on the amount of food you are eating. Once you get used to eating less, start focusing on making healthier choices. Make sure you eat plenty of non-starchy vegetables and protein such as lean meat, chicken, and fish. Avoid starchy foods and limit added fats, sugars, and sodium. The Plate Method is an easy way to fit fruit, low-fat dairy, and whole grains into your meals.
Exercise
Whether you enjoy walking, swimming, or other physical activities, being active will help you stay healthy, lower your blood sugar, and help you manage your diabetes. Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program to discuss which types of physical exercise are safe for you.
Staying active can help you:
- Improve blood pressure
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Lower cholesterol
- Feel more energetic
- Relieve stress
- Lose or maintain your weight
- Keep joints flexible
- Increase strength
- Improve balance
If you are interested in learning more about how to manage your diabetes, check out this Healthy with Diabetes Guide from the American Diabetes Association. If you need in-home assistance managing your medications, contact Trusted Touch Healthcare.
