Those in our older population with diabetes face particular challenges. Here’s a breakdown of five areas where you can improve the health and quality of life of a senior living with diabetes.

Basic Nutrition for Seniors with Diabetes

Food and water–necessities of life. Sometimes, older individuals just don’t feel much like eating or drinking though. This can especially be a concern with seniors who regularly eat alone. Regular, nutritious meals and proper hydration are a necessity. Without them, the health of a seniors with diabetes can enter a tailspin.

Stay on Top of Medications

Often seniors with diabetes will have multiple medications: medications for the diabetes and for treating other conditions as well. It’s very important to understand how these drugs interact with each other.  Ask your pharmacist or doctor to take a look at your drugs together and explain any potential complications from interactions.

Missing doses of medication can be a danger as well. Forgetting to take doses can lead to high blood sugar or other complications. Medication reminders can help keep an individual on track. Care Patrol, a senior community specialist, offers a free telephone reminder service. In-home caregivers can also give reminders to take medicine. I’ve even seen a high-tech pillbox that opens at the appointed time, remains open for a certain period, and then closes. This prevents over dosage caused by taking both a missed dose and a current dose together. Family members or caregivers are able see if any doses are being missed.

Recognize Symptoms

An elder person may not be able to tell you they are having symptoms of high or low blood sugar. For that reason, family members and caregivers should know and be on the lookout for symptoms.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Symptoms:

• nervousness
• shakiness
• agitation
• sweating
• (if not treated) confusion and non-responsiveness

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) Symptoms:

• thirst
• frequent urination
• tiredness or fatigue
• hunger and irritability

Make sure you understand how your medical provider wants you to respond to either of these conditions.

Foot Love

Sometimes, diabetic patients lose feeling in their feet, especially over time. Wearing shoes can help avoid a cut that could go unnoticed and lead to infection. Lack of flexibility may prevent an older diabetic patient from being able to reach their feet to examine them. A caregiver or family member can help by checking for cuts and sores, and looking between toes for foot fungus. Allow a podiatrist to handle any procedures that need to be performed, including nail trimming. Diabetic foot infections can quickly spread to the bone and be very difficult to treat.

Move that Body

And really, who is exercise not good for? Having a doctor approved, safe exercise plan can make a big difference in the lives of seniors with diabetes. Find a senior group that has group activities to join. There you have multiple benefits: feeling better, being able to better manage diabetes, and the joy of interaction with friends. Win-win-win!

For more information about living with diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association – http://www.diabetes.org/