Facts about Diabetes in Older People and Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix

  3 Comments

Share this

Diabetes is a serious disease. It is very important to control diabetes, or it can be life-threatening. Fortunately, there are things you can do to take control of diabetes and prevent its problems. Go for regular health checkups in order to assess your risk for diabetes. There are ways to lower your risk. There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes– In type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin. This occurs most often in children and young adults although adults can develop this as well.

Type 2 diabetes– This is the most common kind of diabetes where the body makes insulin but doesn’t use it the right way. It occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults, but it can also affect children. Your chance of getting type 2 diabetes is higher if you are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes.

It is very important to keep diabetes under control which can affect many parts of the body and can cause serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and circulation problems that may lead to amputation. People with type 2 diabetes are also at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Handling an older adult suffering from memory or mobility issues can be challenging. It is best to consider going for an assisted living facility in this regard. If you belong to the Phoenix region in Arizona, you can book a suite at the award-winning Anthem Senior Living. Our caregivers are friendly and compassionate. The senior health challenges that we work with are dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Bodies Dementia, high blood pressure, companionship care, wound care, bed bound patients, Feeding Tubes/Picc Lines, heart disease, cancer, Arthritis, respiratory diseases, diabetes, falls, depression, etc.

Diabetes Tests:

Fasting plasma glucose test— This test is conducted after one has gone without food for at least 8 hours.

Random plasma glucose test— This can be given at any time during the day.

Oral glucose tolerance test—taken after fasting overnight and then again 2 hours after having a sugary drink.

A1C test– This is given at any time during the day which shows your glucose level for the past 3 months.

Managing Diabetes:

Track your glucose levels– Consult your physician with regards to how to check your glucose levels at home as very high glucose levels or very low glucose levels (called hypoglycemia) can be detrimental for your health.

Regular Exercise– Daily exercise can help improve glucose levels in older people with diabetes. Again, consult your healthcare provider to plan an appropriate exercise program for you.

Balanced Diet- Go for foods that are low in sugar and fat especially if you are looking forward to losing weight. Take help of professionals with regards to meal planning.

Have your Medicines– Talk to your doctor with regards to any medicine side-effect.

Tips to stay healthy for diabetics:

1. Find out your average blood glucose level at least twice a year.
2. You should often get your blood pressure checked.
3. Quit smoking as it increases the risk for many health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
4. Get a blood test to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels at least once in a year.
5. Go for a urine or blood test to see if your kidneys are okay as diabetes tend to affect the kidneys.
6. Have your teeth and gums checked twice a year by a dentist to avoid serious problems.
7. Take good care of your skin, tend to minor cuts and bruises to prevent infections.

At Anthem Senior Living, we have a beautiful suite available that is fully furnished, jack-n-jill bathroom adjacent. Can accommodate a Temperpedic adjustable bed, wall mounted TV, Lift Recliner etc. You’re more than welcome to use our furnishings or bring your own!