Diabetes comes with a lot of risks. The complications related to it can be severe. For instance, it can damage other organs, including the heart and the kidneys. It can affect one’s eyesight and even increase the risk of incontinence and dementia. It can greatly impact one’s quality of life.
That said, diabetes is not exactly a death sentence. It can be managed as long as one can keep their blood glucose at safe levels. Some lifestyle changes that include an improved diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help a diabetic patient reduce the risk of complications. The doctor may also prescribe medications like metformin or insulin. Aside from this, proper monitoring of the person’s blood sugar levels is a necessity.
The problem might be more complicated if it’s a senior who is suffering from diabetes. The family’s support is extremely important if you want to ensure that your loved one gets the care they need. Hope Seed Support Center, your trusted organization that offers helpful counseling services, shares some tips on how you can help a loved one manage their diabetes:
Keep Track of Their Appointments with Their Healthcare Team
A senior with a health problem like diabetes requires the care of different healthcare providers. They have a primary care doctor, an endocrinologist, a podiatrist, and an ophthalmologist. On top of it, they need medicines from the pharmacy, exercise classes, and perhaps even a support group. When they have too much going on, it could be hard to keep on top of things. Offer your support by helping your loved one get to those appointments. If you can’t drive them, arrange something for them so they won’t have to take public transportation, which could be difficult and even dangerous at their age.
Learn What You Can About the Condition of Your Loved One
As much as possible, learn all about diabetes and the condition of your loved one. If possible, accompany them to their appointments so you can ask questions to their healthcare providers. You could also be provided with helpful information on how you can do your part at home.
There are also some reliable online sources that you can turn to, like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the American Diabetes Association.
Assist Them with Their Medication Management
This is especially important if your loved one needs insulin injections using either a pen or a syringe. Talk to their doctor about the option to use an insulin pump which might be better for senior patients. Make sure that your loved one takes their medication correctly and on time.
Watch Their Diet
One of the most critical factors in diabetes management is the person’s diet. Their doctor is likely going to recommend an eating plan that includes fewer sugar and carbohydrates. People with diabetes should consume more veggies and protein. It may be harder for them to stick to a healthy diet if the meals cooked at home are not suitable for them. If it’s possible for the whole family to switch to a more nutritious diet that’s diabetic-friendly, that would be so much better.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly, especially if it’s the elderly who are suffering from it. Giving your senior loved ones the care they need and deserve will help them manage their diabetes better. You and your family would also benefit from counseling services as caring for someone with diabetes could affect everyone in the household, and it’s important that everyone gets support.
Hope Seed Support Center can provide you with counseling services in Houston. Our organization can also provide you with nutritional counsel therapy at The Grove at Hope Seed. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
