Defining Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body stops being able to regulate its sugar (called glucose) levels. Without the ability to manage those levels, too much sugar gets into the bloodstream and those elevated levels can result in damage to the circulatory, immune, and nervous systems. With Type 2 Diabetes, two main issues are occurring within the body. The first revolves around the pancreas not creating enough insulin and the second issue is the cells losing the ability to respond properly to the insulin and take in less sugar. While there is no cure for Type 2 Diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes accounts for 95% of the diabetes diagnoses out there), the disease can be managed and the side effects reduced.
Why Managing Type 2 Diabetes in the Elderly is Important
If Type 2 Diabetes is not managed well, it can easily lead to other more serious health consequences for your loved one. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to chronic nerve damage and possible limb loss, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and a myriad of other health issues including dementia and depression. For some individuals, they may not manage their disease well on their own. In those cases, having 24-hour home care assistance with managing the disease may be just what your loved one needs to stay healthy as well as retain her independence. 24-hour home care attendants will be able to step in and support your loved one through managing these next five tips for healthier living.
Five Tips for Better Type 2 Diabetes Management
- Enjoying physical activity every day. Staying physically active can help your elderly loved one manage her diabetes. Regular physical activity uses up excess glucose for energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.
- Consuming a healthy diet. For many diabetics, a complete food overhaul is needed. A long life with poor eating habits can be hard to change. This is where having a 24-hour home care team who can help with meal preparation can be a key part of helping your loved one eat better and enjoy the foods she should while avoiding the foods she shouldn’t eat. This can often be the most difficult battle for newly diagnosed diabetics.
- Reducing stress levels. Stress can complicate diabetes health issues. Stress often produces hormones into the body that prevent the body from absorbing insulin. This insulin resistance can result in blood sugar levels getting too high. If they stay that way for a long time, significant health damage can occur, including death in elderly patients especially.
- Managing medications and supplements. Your loved one might be given some medications to manage her diabetes or she might have medications for other conditions. Managing those medications, as well as communicating any concerns about them to her doctor is paramount for treating her diabetes. 24-hour home care providers can help your loved one manage her medications if it seems too overwhelming to her.
- Checking glucose levels regularly. By monitoring her glucose levels consistently, your loved one and her caregivers can monitor how well her medications and lifestyle changes are working. It will help her and her care team make the best choices for her regarding what she eats, how she exercises, and what medications she should take.
With proper support, you can help your loved one manage her diabetes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care in Breaux Bridge, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today. Call (337) 279-5466
BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Lota, and the surrounding areas.
Through a personalized care plan, BrightCare Homecare provides the necessary services and care to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help achieve optimum health and wellness.
We are a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Iota, and the surrounding areas.
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