Diabetes is one of those chronic health issues that can alter your life forever. Canadian seniors need to worry about being diagnosed with and managing this deadly disease because according to stats, 48 percent of diabetics in Canada are seniors. If you are a senior or you are a primary caregiver of a senior then you should read on to know 6 ways for the elderly to prevent and manage diabetes.
1. Focus on the Diet
The first thing you can do to combat most diseases is to alter the way you have food. Though the solution is not rocket science, it is often overlooked. Make sure that you don’t do the same by making your diet healthier. It goes without saying that when a person finds out that he or she is diabetic, he or she needs to remove sugars, processed foods and junk foods from his or her diet.
These need to be replaced with fresh fruits and vegetables, quality protein, whole grain carbs, and the right type of fats. Though you can enjoy some treats like sugar free desserts occasionally, make sure that you have everything in moderation. Also, make sure that you take your medication every day and even add it to your diet plan so that you don’t skip it accidentally. You should also consider investing in diabetic friendly-supplements from Halo Healthcare.
2. Create an Exercise Routine
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, another change you need to make is to be more active. Though as a senior, no one is expecting you to do a hundred push-ups or twenty crunches in a row, you need to decide on exercises you can do daily and stick to the same. The exercises could be as simple as walking for 10 minutes after every meal or doing yoga for an hour daily. There is no need to overexert yourself when you can win the race against diabetes by being slow and steady.
3. Control Stress
One of the things that are ruining the lives of millions across the world is stress. It is a silent killer that makes chronic conditions like diabetes worse. Stress leads to the release of a hormone called cortisol that inhibits insulin effects. It further leads to high blood sugar which makes you cranky and further escalates your stress levels. So, it’s a vicious circle that needs to be broken by a senior. One of the best ways to beat stress is to maintain a healthy work life balance as longer hours are linked to diabetes risk, especially in women.
4. Sleep Right
Getting ample amount of sleep is also necessary for an elderly who has diabetes because a lack of sleep can worsen the chronic illness. Sleep is also essential because it eliminates cortisol from your system. Sleep also helps you to feel physically and mentally fresh to tackle any challenges and make better decisions. When you get ample sleep, you also have the energy needed to hit the gym and the mental clarity required to choose the right foods.
5. Increase Your Knowledge
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, an essential item on your checklist should be to know about the disease and its effects on your life. You can make use of many online resources to provide you with accurate information. You can also visit an endocrinologist regularly to give you the support and motivation needed to manage this disease in the last leg of your life. As diabetes often triggers other health issues like vision problems or kidney issues, it is smart to see an ophthalmologist to get your eyes checked and contact a nephrologist to ensure your kidneys are healthy.
6. Connect with Others
If you are a senior who has been diagnosed with diabetes, you should not feel sad or depressed about it. Instead, you should realize that you are not alone and thousands of others suffer from this disease. You should consider joining an online or offline community where people like you gather or talk together on how they are managing their diabetes.
It will not only eliminate your feelings of loneliness but will also help you get some real-life advice on how to manage diabetes. You should also seek the support of your family, friends, doctor or your clinic to help you manage this disease. The emotional support and the expertise they offer is truly priceless and will make you feel less miserable.
Conclusion
All in all, it can be said that though diabetes in the elderly is a worrying situation, seniors can manage it with grace and ease if they make some simple changes to their lives. There is no need to rush these changes, opt for one change at a time like replacing sugar with a natural sweetener and you’ll do fine. If you suspect that you have diabetes then start managing it with doing this simple test.
Image Sources
https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/diabetes-in-seniors-what-to-do-about-it/
https://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/diabetes-advice-for-the-elderly-relax/
