Caring for Seniors with Diabetes Living at Home

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. With Diabetes, your body either can’t produce or properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas.

Cases of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes continue to climb across Canada, particularly for people over the age of 65. More than 5.7 million Canadians are living with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes stem from the body’s inability to store and use glucose properly. Both types have the same underlying issue, but there are profound differences between the two.

Type 1 Diabetes

This type of diabetes typically appears in children or adolescents but may also occur in adults. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder heavily influenced by genetics, where the body produces insufficient levels of insulin. There is currently no method of prevention for Type 1 Diabetes, and it is much rarer than Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is much more common, making up almost 95% of total cases, and tends to develop later in life, characterized by the body’s inability to process insulin effectively. The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes has increased dramatically over the past couple of decades and is associated with a sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes can be effectively managed and treated if detected early enough. Some warning signs to be on the lookout for may include:

Increased thirst and hunger
Frequent urination
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Headaches
Blurred visible
Inexplicable weight loss
Skin discoloration
Persistent foot sores or ulcers

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin levels or insulin resistance develops. But what causes insulin resistance?
Various factors can contribute to the onset of insulin sensitivity and resistance. Some of those factors can be:

Obesity
Lack of exercise
Poor diet
Lack of sleep
Smoking
Medications
High blood pressure
High blood glucose levels
Cholesterol levels
• Low HDL cholesterol (healthy cholesterol)
• High LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
Chronic inflammation

Poor diet and lack of exercise are two of the most significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Put those two together, and your risk of developing the disease increases significantly.

How to Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes can occur by making healthy lifestyle changes. This is particularly important for seniors.

Seniors at risk for or living with Type 2 Diabetes can focus on:

Implementing a nutritious diet
Staying hydrated
Getting regular exercise
Managing medications
Monitoring blood sugar
Monitoring blood pressure
Monitoring cholesterol
Effective foot care

Diet

One of the most significant factors to focus on for Type 2 Diabetes prevention and treatment is diet. A nutritious diet is crucial for seniors at risk for diabetes. A healthy diet should be low in calories and high in nutrients.

Foods to focus on include:

Fruit
Vegetables
Whole grains
Protein–quality fish and poultry
Moderate levels of healthy carbohydrates

Foods to avoid are:

Sugary beverages
Any foods with added sugar
Trans fats – baked goods, chips, spreads and dips
High carbs – pasta, white bread, rice – anything with refined flour
Processed meats
Excess red meat
Packaged and canned foods
Deep fried foods

Proper vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help prevent chronic inflammation, leading to Type 2 Diabetes and other health conditions.

Hydration

A nutritious diet should be accompanied with plenty of water. Staying hydrated is critical for optimal health and illness prevention.

Exercise

Daily exercise is also critical for Type 2 Diabetes prevention. Even just an hour a day of low-impact exercise can make a huge difference. A combination of aerobic activity and strength and flexibility exercises is ideal. Try to avoid sitting still for extended periods.

Medication Management

Taking your medication exactly as prescribed is essential for the medication to have its intended effects and also to prevent adverse side effects. There may also be some medications that can help manage your situation, as prescribed by your physician.

Monitoring Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol

Keeping track of glucose (sugar) and cholesterol levels in the blood and maintaining healthy blood pressure are all effective measures for keeping type 2 diabetes in check. A blood glucose meter is used to check your blood sugar at home. You can get these meters at most pharmacies. Consult a healthcare professional for recommended methods and frequency.

Foot Care

Persisting sores and ulcers on the feet are often an indicator of type 2 diabetes. Seniors should inspect their feet daily for blemishes and engage in healthy foot care practices like cleaning, moisturizing, and wearing proper footwear.

In October 2023, Promyse Foot Care Specialists were named the KW Record’s Reader’s Choice for Nursing Foot Care in Kitchener-Waterloo! Our senior loved ones need advice, education, and support to maintain foot health. Our team is carefully screened for their training, knowledge, and experience and selected for their care and compassion.