Canadian Research on Diabetes
Diabetes and the accompanying symptoms that go with it impact an astonishing number of Canadians of a diverse age range across various backgrounds. One in Four Canadians aged 65+ has diabetes (Type 2 most common). 50% of seniors with diabetes are undiagnosed or prediabetic.
Seniors, who account for over 40% of all diabetes cases in Canada, are facing a significant health challenge. By 2030, the research for diabetes among seniors indicates a rise of 20% due to aging populations. This underscores the urgent need for caregivers to be well-informed and proactive in managing diabetes in seniors.Â
Specialized Diabetes Care in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge
When it comes to seniors, the difficulties that accompany diabetes can be even more challenging to deal with because of the more delicate state of overall health that many seniors experience in older age.
To make sure all needs are being appropriately met and cared for, it is essential that the caregivers and loved ones of seniors with diabetes become more educated about the disease. Education should include:
- how it alters physiology and lifestyle, andÂ
- what measures can establish a better quality of life for seniors dealing with diabetes.
What are the Types of Diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus refers to a set of metabolic diseases that generate problems with blood sugar because the levels of insulin created or used within the body are inadequate. This deficiency can either come from insufficient insulin production in the body or because the body’s cells are not able to appropriately respond to and utilize the insulin being produced.
The following information concerning types of diabetes offers a fundamental understanding of the disease.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes is known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, and the people who experience Type 1 are most often children, teens, or adults below the age of 35. With Type 1 diabetes, the body produces no insulin whatsoever, and people with Type 1 will require insulin pumps or injections throughout their lives to supplement the insulin that is not naturally produced by the body.
Type 2 Diabetes
Formerly referred to as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, Type 2 causes the pancreas to produce a reduced amount of insulin, or leads to the body being unable to use the available insulin properly. More common in older adults, type 2 is especially prevalent in people who are:Â Â
- inactive,Â
- overweight,Â
- have a poor diet, orÂ
- have a family history of diabetes.Â
Â
It is this type of diabetes that is known to impact our senior loved ones as lower levels of physical activity, the associated weight gain, and a potentially weaker state of general health make them more vulnerable to developing the disease.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia refers to an excess amount of glucose in the bloodstream, which typically occurs as a direct result of the insulin deficiencies associated with diabetes. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as:Â
- constant hunger,Â
- increased levels of thirst andÂ
- more frequent urination.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is an insufficient amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Individuals with diabetes may experience insufficient glucose, either as a result of taking an excess of insulin or other medication, failing to consume enough food, or being more active than usual.
Empowering Seniors Through Diabetes Care
The symptoms of diabetes can be widespread and can alter seniors’ lifestyles in various ways. While diabetes cannot be cured, meeting with a local healthcare professional in Kitchener and Waterloo to talk about an appropriate healthcare, medication, and lifestyle regime offers the opportunity to help keep symptoms under control and manageable for our senior loved ones.Â
Caregivers of seniors with diabetes can also help encourage behaviours, routines, and support systems to foster a better quality of life and keep seniors as healthy as possible.
Eating Well: Making Healthy Choices
The fact that diabetes impacts the body’s capacity to work with glucose means that some dietary considerations are needed to help promote better health for seniors with diabetes. Some people will need to adjust their eating habits to include more of the following:
- fruit and vegetables,Â
- reduce refined sugar intake, andÂ
- manage carbohydrate consumption, among other things.Â
Â
Consult with a healthcare professional to understand what dietary alterations will be the most helpful for diabetes care for seniors in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.
Exercise for Seniors with Diabetes
Exercise is always helpful for keeping the body in good shape, but it is essential for seniors with diabetes. Exercise helps facilitate the proper use of glucose within the body, overall physical fitness, weight management, and self-confidence.Â
Walking is one of the most practical and easily accessible activities for seniors because it can be done at any time and anywhere. You may enjoy this article, The Wonders of a Simple Walk
In-Home Foot Care for Seniors
Foot health is essential for diabetics, and seniors might need some support in this area, particularly if they struggle with mobility. Diabetes can result in loss of feeling in the feet, which means problems with the feet often go unnoticed. For this reason, it is essential to check regularly for sores, injuries, infections, and other potential issues.Â
Promyse Home Care offers In-Home Foot Care services in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge that include:Â
- Assessing & Identifying Foot Issues
- Foot WearÂ
- Daily Foot Care Education
- Bathing & Moisturizing the Feet
- Toenail and Callus Care
Â
Consult a Healthcare Professional in Kitchener and Waterloo
Ensure that seniors maintain an ongoing and consistent relationship with healthcare professionals who can recommend treatments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Promyse Home Care Nurse Case Managers can help with ongoing assessments to determine the effectiveness of current treatments and practices and make appropriate alterations as necessary.
Support from the Community
Many people find comfort in knowing that there are others who have similar experiences with whom they can share points of view, questions, and concerns. Seniors may seek out support groups that can deliver a sense of community in a safe and comfortable setting. This can help both seniors and caregivers feel less isolated and more connected in their journey with diabetes.
Cut Out Bad Habits
Encouraging seniors to stop unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help protect them from developing further health complications, such as nerve damage or heart problems. The fewer bad habits and more healthy choices that seniors engage in contribute to a longer and healthier existence.
Help with Day-to-Day ChallengesÂ
Facing the realities that come along with diabetes can be challenging, but a variety of helpful options and choices are available to help seniors and their caregivers access opportunities to reduce the impact of diabetes on everyday life.Â
Promyse Home Care is available in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge to help seniors make responsible and healthy choices, become more informed about their condition, and pursue a healthier and happy lifestyle.
