Diabetes is a disorder that affects your body’s metabolism and the way in which it processed for energy. When it comes down to it, all this means is that your body has trouble processing the sugars that are in the food that you eat.
While being diagnosed with diabetes can be quite distressing, there are lots of ways of managing the symptoms so that you can go about living your normal life.
As a senior though, you might be a little more worried about how diabetes may affect your everyday life. As you get older, you may develop other problems that make the symptoms of diabetes present themselves more frequently. With that said, here are a few tips for seniors out there who are wondering how to improve their diabetic lifestyle.
Diet and exercise
If you’ve been living with Diabetes for a long time, you’ll be well aware of the importance of exercise. In order to use up the glucose in your body, you need to be keeping active. If you’re a senior and limited by your mobility, don’t worry, you don’t need to get yourself down to the gym for an intense workout. A few 30-minute walks every week will make all the difference – even if you’re just popping to the shops.
However, it’s important to make sure you’re drinking lots of fluids and checking your glucose levels before, during and after exercising. Also, remember to take a snack with you just in case you need it.
Similarly, keeping check of what you’re eating is crucial. Making sure you’re eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and nuts will help to regulate your blood sugar levels. So, try to avoid things like fizzy drinks, crisps and fast food where you can.
Body and wellbeing
Two of the top physical problems to look out for as a senior with diabetes is your eyes and feet. When it comes to your eyes, you may develop something called diabetic retinopathy. If you are diagnosed with this you may have been noticing visual sharpness, misty vision or poor colour differentiation. While this can be treated with laser surgery, it’s best to take measurable steps to avoid this including controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
When it comes to your feet, diabetes can also have an effect there too. Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage which in turn can lead you to experience numb feet. It’s important to make sure you’re looking after your feet as a diabetic as you may notice soreness or infection if poorly managed. Places like Mobility Solutions have a wide range of supportive footwear for seniors that can help to relieve some pressure from your feet and make you more comfortable at home.
Medications and prescriptions
Unfortunately for some, managing diet and exercise alone isn’t enough to get their diabetes under control. Oral medications help to increase the amount of insulin created in the body which helps to better manage blood sugar levels. It’s absolutely imperative that you are taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor and especially so as a senior.
If you’re worried about your medication or want to know how to better manage your diabetes in older age, always consult a specialist or book an appointment with your local GP.
Although diabetes can be tricky to get under control, particularly as you get older, there is plenty of help and valuable resources out there to guide you along.