WeAreDiabetic.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

Managing diabetes: What seniors need to know

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause
of death in the U.S. Nearly one in four people 60 years old and older
have it. If you are one of them, it's especially important to manage
your diabetes well.

Diabetes
speeds up the aging process. Physiological changes of aging - such as
declines in vision, hearing, and mobility - occur more quickly if you
have diabetes. Complications from diabetes can make it harder for you
to do your daily activities and stay on top of your diabetes.

Recommendations for managing diabetes

Seniors should do the following to manage their diabetes well:

• Eat a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and nonfat dairy. Foods high in fat and sugar should be limited.
• Exercise regularly.
  Exercise can help lower blood sugar levels. Good options for seniors
  may include walking, armchair exercises, tai chi and swimming. Check
  with your doctor before you start an exercise program.
• Know your blood glucose levels.
  Check your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor will tell you what your
  target blood sugar level should be. Seniors are at greater risk for low
  blood sugar reactions (hypoglycemia). Work closely with your doctor to
  keep blood sugar controlled.  

Tips to help seniors manage complications from diabetes

See your doctor regularly.
Your doctor will answer your questions and tell you how well you are
managing your diabetes. Good control can help prevent complications.

Check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes.

Check your blood pressure. High blood pressure levels can also lead to heart disease. The goal for people with diabetes is less than 130/80 mm/Hg.

Have a yearly eye exam.
Seniors with diabetes often develop blindness because they have a high
risk for diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration.

Have a yearly check for protein in the urine.
A simple urine test can show if there is protein in the urine. This can
be a sign that diabetes is starting to affect the kidneys. If so,
treatment can be started to help prevent further damage.

Check your feet
for sores and blisters. People with diabetes have a high risk for foot
problems that can lead to infection and amputation. See a foot doctor
(podiatrist) regularly and follow his or her instructions for care.

Take care of your teeth and gums. People with diabetes have a high risk for gum disease. To lower your risk:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Go to the dentist twice a year.

Get a flu shot every year and a pneumonia vaccine when your doctor says to. The flu and pneumonia are dangerous for people with diabetes.

Get help if you are depressed.
Seniors are at high risk for depression related to diabetes. Depression
can keep you from taking good care of your health. And it can be
treated.

Other tips to help seniors manage their diabetes treatment

• Ask your family and friends for help.
  Bring a family member or friend with you to doctor's appointments so
  they can learn how to help you monitor your blood sugar and take your
  medications and what to do in a diabetic emergency.
• Use memory aids, a weekly medication organizer and other tools
  to help you remember to take your medication. For example, set an alarm
  that goes off when it's time to take your medication.
• Cut your risk of making a mistake with medication. Ask you doctor about pre-mixed insulin or pre-filled insulin syringes, pens or other helpful tools.
• Set up your home to reduce the risk for falls.
  Problems with vision, nerves and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as
  lightheadedness, can raise your risk for falls. Remove throw rugs, use
  grab bars in the bathroom and keep walkways clear of objects.
• Use blood sugar monitors that are easy to hold and read. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about blood sugar monitors that have easy-to-read numbers and large dials.
• Work with a dietitian. A dietitian will help you make meal planning easy and affordable.
  
  LINK: http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10410127