Caring for an older adult with diabetes can be complex, especially when managing other age-related health factors such as mobility issues or memory challenges. However, with the right strategies and care in place, it is possible to support your loved one’s well-being, maintain their diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.
Understanding diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body processes glucose (sugar). There are two main types.
Type 1 diabetes – An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes – A condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly.
The challenges of managing diabetes in older adults
Managing diabetes for older adults presents unique challenges that require special attention. These include:
- Multiple health conditions – Older adults may have other conditions like heart disease or arthritis, which complicates diabetes management.
- Medication management – Taking multiple medications increases the risk of drug interactions or missed doses.
- Cognitive decline – Conditions like dementia can make it harder for your loved one to manage their diet, take medication on time or recognise symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
- Mobility issues – Limited mobility can make exercise challenging and increase the risk of foot ulcers due to poor circulation.
- Risk of hypoglycaemia – Older adults may be more sensitive to insulin and at higher risk of low blood sugar episodes, which can cause dizziness, confusion or falls.
- Dietary challenges – Appetite changes, difficulty chewing or difficulty preparing meals can make it harder to maintain a balanced diet.
Diabetes care plan
Your loved one should have a personalised, written plan created by their healthcare provider to help them manage their diabetes condition effectively. It should include any goals, actions and strategies that have been discussed to help your loved one maintain optimal health.
How often should a diabetes care plan be reviewed?
Your loved one should receive an annual diabetes check from their healthcare provider. Their diabetes care plan should be reviewed annually off the back of the results of these checks.
Your loved one may require more frequent reviews if their blood sugar levels become difficult to control, medication changes are needed, they develop new symptoms or complications arise.
Update your loved one’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes in their condition. This way, your loved one can have their diabetes checked and their care plan adjusted if needed.
Daily diabetes care at home
To support a loved one with diabetes, consider these essential aspects of care.
Blood sugar monitoring
Regular checks ensure blood sugar levels stay within a healthy range. Your loved one’s care plan should detail how frequently they need to check their glucose levels.
Signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) include increased thirst, fatigue and frequent urination. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can cause dizziness, confusion and sweating.
Healthy eating and meal planning
A balanced diet is key to diabetes management. Here are some tips for what to include (and what to avoid) for your loved one’s meals.
- Good sources of fibre such as whole grains, vegetables and legumes
- lean protein such as chicken, fish, tofu and eggs
- healthy fats such as nuts, olive oil and avocado
- Avoid excessive sugar, processed foods and refined carbohydrates.
Portion control and regular mealtimes can also help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
Medication management
If your loved one requires insulin or other diabetes medications, ensure they take them as prescribed.
It’s also crucial to ensure medications are taken at the correct times and frequencies throughout the day. Setting reminders on a phone can help keep your loved one on track with their medication times.
Keeping track of insulin injections and dosages is also vital to ensure your loved one hasn’t been under- or over-dosed. Keeping a log of when (and how much) insulin was administered helps mitigate against this.
Familiarise yourself with the potential side effects of your loved one’s prescriptions so you’re aware if they do experience any. Taking note of any side effects or changes in their condition is important to monitor how your loved one is doing overall.
Staying active
Regular physical activity can help manage blood sugar levels, improve circulation and boost overall well-being.
You can support your loved one to maintain their activity levels by encouraging them to go on daily walks or do light exercise. Low-impact activities such as swimming or yoga are also good ways for your loved one to stay active.
It’s crucial that your loved one avoids prolonged periods of inactivity, even if they have reduced mobility. There are many modified activities (such as chair yoga or gentle arm and leg exercises) that your loved one can do.
Diabetes Foot Care
People with diabetes are at higher risk of foot complications due to poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy). Proper diabetes foot care can help prevent infections and serious issues.
Essential foot care tips:
- Check your loved one’s feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness or swelling.
- Wash and dry feet properly, ensuring the area between the toes is dry
- Moisturise regularly to prevent dry, cracked skin
- Ensure your loved one is wearing well-fitting shoes and socks to reduce the risk of sores
- Trim toenails carefully and avoid cutting too close to the skin
- Seek medical attention if they have wounds that don’t heal or signs of infection.
Specialist diabetes care and support
Caring for a loved one with diabetes can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s a complex condition to manage, especially if your loved one has additional health concerns.
Experienced diabetes care professionals can help reduce some of these demands by providing expert diabetes care. They can ensure your loved one is taking their medication correctly, monitor blood sugar levels and assist with meal planning to maintain a balanced diet.
In addition to helping with medical and dietary needs, care professionals can provide companionship and emotional reassurance for your loved one. Diabetes care can offer peace of mind for both you and your loved one, as you know there is an experienced professional monitoring your loved one’s condition and helping them to manage it.
Care professionals can also assist with daily activities such as mobility support, encouraging gentle exercise and monitoring potential health concerns like foot problems before they become serious. Having professional care in place allows family members to take breaks and manage other responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss how we can support your loved one to maintain their independence and manage their diabetes.