Lifestyle 10 Oct. 2021

Tips to Help senior citizens living with Diabetes to live Better lives

Diabetes MyTips

Most times, diabetes is a condition that will span the rest of one’s life and will therefore require careful treatment to adequately manage it. It will necessitate one taking on a medication strategy, making physical exercise a part of one’s daily routine as well as adhering to a strict diet plan to live a long and healthy life.

Tips for diabetic senior citizens

• Make an effort to consume a healthy and nutritious diet tailored to diabetics. Diabetes patients should consume a balanced diet reduced in sugar, fruit sugar, and saturated fats inclusive. It may be beneficial to consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist who is also diabetes savvy to assist you in developing a balanced meal plan.

• Embrace physical exercise make it a part of your daily routine. Aerobic exercises, for instance, cycling, walking, as well as swimming can help a diabetic manage their glucose levels, weight, and maintain physical strength. 30 minutes of exercise every day for 5 days each week is recommended. Physicals may be broken down into segments of 10 minutes done thrice a day. Strength boosting exercises like resistance bands, yoga, and free weights are recommended at least twice a week. Strength exercise both develops muscle and aids with glucose management. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which workouts are appropriate for you.

• Make sure your glucose levels are checked regularly. Seek advice from a medical professional regarding how and when to monitor your blood sugar level. People who use insulin, have difficulty managing their blood glucose levels, or experience hypoglycemia and should have their blood glucose levels checked regularly.

• Always remember to take your medication. It’s easy to forget whether or not you’ve taken your diabetic prescription. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage your medications like a pillbox as well as alarms that you can set on your smartphone, computer, wristwatch, or clock to alert you to take your medication. Also, consider using a chart to mark down the days and times that you take your medication.

• Maintain your cancer checkups. Inquire with your doctor about the tests you should receive based on your age, gender, and also ask about other associated risks.

• Make sure your blood pressure, as well as cholesterol levels, are monitored regularly. Consult your doctor to get advice regarding how to stop smoking, manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as learn adequate ways to lower your risk of obtaining cardiovascular disease and stroke.

• Every day, check your feet and skin. Examine your feet and skin every day for wounds or symptoms of infection. If you can’t see your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member to assist you. If you see a cut or a red area that appears to be infected, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Maintain clean skin and feet, apply lotion to prevent dryness, and wear comfortable shoes that will not create blisters.

• Every year, have your kidneys checked. Diabetes might have an impact on your kidneys. Urine and blood testing will reveal whether or not your kidneys are in good working order.

• Consult Your Dentist. Diabetes increases the risk of oral issues including gum disease. Seek advice from your dentist regularly and notify him or her if your gums bleed or get red.

• Examine your ears. Hearing loss is normal as we age, and it is even more frequent in older diabetic individuals. Hearing loss increases gradually over time, making it difficult to detect whether you have a problem. If you have difficulties having to hear or your family and friends notice that you can’t hear them speaking or that you have to crank up the TV or radio to hear them, speak with your healthcare professional about getting your hearing checked.

• Obtain Vaccination. It is critical to obtain the flu vaccination each autumn, as well as the pneumonia vaccine if you are over the age of 65 or if you have not previously had a pneumonia vaccine. These vaccinations are vital for all older individuals, but they are especially critical for diabetics, who are at a higher risk of flu complications.

• Prepare ahead of time. To not be caught off guard during emergencies, keep at least three days’ worth of medicines and kits for evaluating and treating your diabetes to avoid fatal incidents.

• Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Consult your doctor if you believe you may require assistance with your management plan, if you are sad, if you are concerned about your memory, or if you have any other issues. There may be methods to assist.

Conclusion

It is of utmost importance for your health care team to evaluate how effectively you are managing your diabetes at least once a year. Your management plan may require revisions, or you may require further information and assistance. A change in your condition, such as a new diagnosis or illness, or a change in treatment, such as being discharged from the hospital, may also result in modifications to your diabetes management plan.