Preventing Diabetes in the Elderly with Assisted Home Care

Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses that can plague older Americans. Research from the American Diabetes Association has found that about half of all adults over the age of 65 are prediabetic or have developed type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can lead to the onset of larger and more serious health consequences, including heart disease, stokes, kidney failure, and nerve damage if left untreated. It is especially important for your loved one's assisted home care provider to remain aware of the symptoms of prediabetes (excessive hunger or thirst, fatigue, and changes in sleeping habits) to stop the development of type 2 diabetes in its tracks.

Assisted home care can help older adults prevent the onset of diabetes by encouraging men and women over the age of 65 to keep a healthy lifestyle. The following are some of the best changes that assisted home care providers can encourage older Americans to make to help prevent diabetes.

Quit smoking. Smoking is a major health risk that affects almost every area of the body. Elders who smoke have been found to be almost two times more likely to develop diabetes when compared to elders who do not.

Eat a balanced diet. Senior citizens often do not get all of the vitamins and macronutrients that they need. If your loved one has a caretaker who helps them prepare meals, make sure they are including plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a limited amount of sodium.

Exercise regularly. One of the reasons why older adults are at such a higher risk for developing diabetes or becoming prediabetic is because as we age, we have a tendency to become less physically active when compared to our youth. Assisted home care can help to encourage physical activity in older adults by making an afternoon walk or yoga video part of his or her daily routine.

Limit takeout and processed foods. Chinese takeout and frozen meals may be cheap and convenient, but they often come at a price. These types of foods are often loaded with fat, calories, and sodium, which makes them more likely to lead to weight gain, which has been strongly linked to the onset of diabetes. A caretaker for an older adult should be careful to limit your loved one's consumption of these types of "convenience foods."

Preventing the onset of diabetes is a team effort. You, your loved one, and anyone assisting your loved one with day-to-day tasks are all integral parts to helping cultivate a healthy life for the man or woman you care about. Investing in the long-term health of your loved one is worth taking the time to plan for the risk of diabetes!