Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people of all ages. There’s a lot to learn when someone is diagnosed with diabetes, but the main fact is that diabetes makes it difficult for the person to regulate their blood sugar because of issues related to insulin. As seniors learn how to deal with diabetes, they have to make changes to protect their health, and home care providers can help. Seniors also need to understand how diabetes can affect other areas of their health.
Cardiovascular Impacts
When blood sugar is out of control for too long, seniors are more likely to develop cardiovascular issues like atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, along with other issues. Paying attention to dietary concerns and exercising regularly can help. Elder care providers can work with seniors to develop routines that help them hit their goals with diet and exercise.
Kidney Trouble
Seniors already face health risks related to kidney function, but diabetes can make this more complicated. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the kidneys which affects how well they filter and remove waste from the blood. Staying aware of kidney issues and hydrating properly can help.
Neuropathy
High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage over time, especially in the extremities like the hands and feet. This is called neuropathy and can cause numbness, tingling, and even pain in these areas. Seniors with severe neuropathy may have trouble with balance and coordination, putting them at greater risk of falling. Home care providers can help with mobility assistance and putting fall prevention plans in place.
Infections and Wound Healing
High blood sugar causes damage to the immune system as well, which can leave diabetic seniors at greater risk of developing infections. It can also cause wounds to heal more slowly or in serious cases, not at all. Combined with neuropathy, seniors are at risk of ulcers and deep wounds that can lead to amputations.
Eye Health
Vision and eye health can suffer greatly in seniors with diabetes. That’s because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eyes, damage the nerves, and cause other problems that affect vision. Seniors might experience changing vision, blurry vision, or have more trouble seeing in low light.
Energy
When seniors are battling diabetes, they often have low energy levels. It can be difficult for them to go about their normal routines when they feel lousy and unable to keep up. Home care providers can help seniors to stay safe and eat healthy meals, even when they don’t have the energy to cook well for themselves.
Living with diabetes can feel really difficult, especially when seniors have never had trouble with blood sugar levels before. Home care providers can help seniors to stick with their doctor’s recommendations around diet and exercise, while also helping to watch for signs that they may need additional medical help. Keeping diabetes under better control can help aging adults avoid some of these bigger complications, which makes it much easier for them to live their lives how they want.
If you are considering home care in Katy, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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