AGING ADULTS AND DIABETES:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Managing Diabetes as Part of Senior Care

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body processes food, especially sugar. Many seniors have a form of diabetes, which can become serious if it isn’t managed. Learn basic facts about diabetes prevention and management.

(CDC)

Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. While type 2 is much more common, especially among aging adults, type 1 diabetes can also affect seniors.

Type 1 Diabetes

Chronic
Unpreventable
Diagnosed with a blood test
Checked on through regular blood sugar tests
May require regular insulin injections or a pump

Type 2 Diabetes

Chronic
Sometimes preventable
Diagnosed with a blood test
Checked on through periodic blood sugar tests
Often manageable by lifestyle and diet changes; may require medication

For seniors with type 1 diabetes, care should continue as normal. Caregivers should pay special attention for symptoms of hypoglycemia and take care to help seniors manage their disease as common parts of aging, like memory loss or lack of routine, increase the difficulty of maintaining a healthy state.

Healthline

About Type 2 Diabetes and Seniors

Symptoms:

Feeling tired
Being unusually hungry or thirsty
Accidental weight loss
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Skin infections
Healing slowly from cuts and bruises

Medical Tests:

Blood tests can diagnose diabetes and sometimes even show signs of prediabetes. Seniors should be screened for diabetes at annual appointments and ask a doctor for blood tests if symptoms develop.

Type 2 Diabetes Management:

See a dietician for help with meal planning for a healthier diet
Get regular exercise (personal training is often discounted for seniors)
Track glucose levels with blood tests as directed by a doctor
Lose weight if obesity is contributing to the disease
Choose a healthy lifestyle to decrease risks associated with diabetes like stroke (stop smoking, get more sleep, attend annual physical exams)

In some cases, medication is part of type 2 diabetes management. Ask a doctor if any medications could be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from worsening. Be sure a senior’s caregiving team is in sync concerning diabetes care to keep blood sugar levels healthy.

National Institute on Aging

Home Care Tip

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be discouraging for seniors. The risks of worsening diabetes are serious: people sometimes require amputations. Be supportive and understanding. Find a support group or classes about type 2 diabetes to help seniors stay positive and make healthy choices.