Caregivers in Memorial TX: Does a Senior In Your Life Have Diabetes?
Learn More about Diabetes during American Diabetes Month
Diabetes is a serious growing concern that affects many seniors today. Each November has been designated as American Diabetes Month. This is a time for all people to become aware of the symptoms, risk factors and treatments for diabetes. It is also a time to focus on diabetes prevention measures.
Caregivers should be aware of the symptoms of diabetes.
These symptoms include frequent thirst, frequent urination, blurring of vision, slow healing wounds and bruises, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Infections of the gums, skin and bladder may keep recurring. However, some people do not exhibit any symptoms, yet still have diabetes.
Some groups are more prone to develop diabetes.
These groups include African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans as well as senior citizens. Risk factors for developing diabetes include begin overweight, high blood pressure, history of gestational diabetes, not exercising, having a family member with diabetes and advancing age.
There are several measures that can be used that may help prevent diabetes.
Caregivers should include these preventative measures in their daily routine. If a person has high blood pressure, it is very important to keep the high blood pressure under control with medication or other measures. Regular exercise can help to prevent diabetes. Try to exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Try to fit exercise into your schedule at least five times a week. Follow a low fat, high fiber diet. If a person has impaired glucose tolerance, medication may help prevent diabetes from developing.
If a senior does have diabetes, it is very important that they do routine blood testing.
Their doctor will perform routine glucose tolerance testing. They also will perform routine checks of a patient’s level of A1C. Diabetic patients should also see their eye doctor routinely to have their eyes checked for any signs of diabetic retinopathy. They also should have their feet examined by their regular doctor or podiatrist. It is also important to have regular general physicals as well as routine blood pressure checks.
Diabetes may be treated with lifestyle changes.
Depending on a patient’s blood sugar levels, their diabetes may be treated with oral medications as well as insulin injections. The best way for senior care caregivers to experience American Diabetes Month is to learn as much as they can about the various aspects of diabetes and its treatments.
For more information about how the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care can help your aging loved one, call 832-271-1600 or fill out our web form today!
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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