Diabetes affects people of all ages, but it's especially challenging for elderly as seniors are one of the most at-risk group for the disease. The condition can cause serious complications that affect their quality of life.
But there are ways to prevent type 2 diabetes or keep the disease under control. Find out what they are here!
Managing blood glucose levels
As you age, the blood glucose level that you had when you were younger, may no longer be safe for you.
You may be at greater risk of hypoglycemia if you take other medicines as well or have other health problems. It is recommended that your healthcare professional reviews your targets on a regular basis. The doctor can help set blood glucose targets that will keep you safe.
It is essential to understand that target blood glucose level for elderly people is generally between 4 to 10 mmol/L. This range may increase to 6-15 mmol/L if you take medication for your diabetes. You should ask your doctor what target you should be aiming for.
Managing Hypoglycaemia
Often known as a “hypo”, hypoglycaemia means a low blood glucose level. It occurs to people who inject insulin or take certain diabetic medications. It is not a problem for those who can manage their diabetes through a healthy eating plan.
It is essential to understand that older diabetics are more vulnerable for a hypo, which may result in acute consequences such as seizure, coma, and cardiac arrhythmia. Elderly insulin-treated diabetic patients have a high risk of severe hypoglycemia, as:
- they could miss a meal or having a low carbohydrate meal
- having kidney disease or other medical conditions
- Insulin risks an adverse drug event with anticoagulants and opioids
It is important to understand that there are several causes of hypo in people over 65, which include having too much insulin or diabetes medication in your system or doing extra activity.
How to control your diabetes when you get older?
Fortunately, diabetes can be successfully managed with the help of early intervention using the right diabetic medical supplies and healthy lifestyle changes. People diagnosed with diabetes can lead normal lives and avoid serious complications, such as blurred vision, weight loss, nerve damage, and pain in foot and heel.
Monitoring Diabetes
There are the several devices that will help monitor your diabetes.
Blood glucose monitors are used to track fluctuations in the blood glucose levels. Test strips are used in combination with the blood glucose monitors to monitor blood sugar. Control solution can be used along with glucose monitors to test the accuracy of glucose meters and test strips.
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Blood Glucose Test Strips – Lifesmart You can buy Blood Glucose Test Strips – Lifesmart to measure blood glucose levels as well as hematocrit values without any interference. This product has a pack of 100 blood glucose test strip for quick and effective monitoring of blood glucose level.
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Aktivesafe Lancets - Lifesmart You can buy Aktivsafe Lancets – Lifesmart for self-testing of blood sugar level. It can not only retract automatically but are safely disposable. This product also contains 100 easy to use, sterile one –way lancets.
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Smart Blood Glucose Plus Ketone Monitor (Non-Bluetooth) - LifeSmart The device accurately measures your blood sugar, ketone, hematocrit (HCT) and cholesterol levels. Ketone testing is particularly useful for type 1 diabetes patients Can be used on infants as well as senior adults.
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Smart Blood Glucose Plus Ketone Monitor (Bluetooth) - LifeSmart Pocket-sized glucose meter, used for monitoring your diabetes on your smartphone. This meter comes with an in-built blood glucose meter. This transmits the result of the test wireless to a secure App, through a Bluetooth connection.
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Multifunctional Cholesterol Monitor – Lifesmart Very useful Blood Cholesterol Monitor to measure cholesterol levels as well as B-ketone values and blood glucose levels. Ideal for effective monitoring of blood cholesterol. |
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Cholesterol Test Strips by LifeSmart
Designed for easy and reliable cholesterol testing. Use it with the Cholesterol Monitor. Ideal for home and professional use for people diagnosed with high cholesterol, who need to test their blood frequently. |
Foot care and other accessories for patients with diabetes
Diabetic patients suffer from several foot issues. Corns, calluses and diabetic ulcers are a common complication of diabetic neuropathy. Proper foot care, such as keeping the feet clean and dry is important.
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Insoles for diabetics
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Long handle Toewasher
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Diabetic copper-based socks
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Will keep all your diabetic supplies and testing essentials organised in one place. Our diabetic travel case fits into your bag, backpack, or briefcase.
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Other helpful posts
You can read more about diabetes in these related posts.
How to manage your diabetes: practical information for elderly
Do you know the symptoms and warning signs of Type 2 diabetes?
Surviving diabetes this winter
Conclusion
Diabetes in seniors is an increasingly common problem, but there are plenty of changes you can make to improve your quality of life.
Make sure to keep track of your blood glucose levels to effectively manage your diabetes condition. Aside from monitoring your blood sugar, commit to move more and improve your diet.
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Stay informed with tips and insights tailored to your needs!
About Bettercaremarket
Bettercaremarket is your leading supplier of healthcare essentials and your #1 destination for quality incontinence supplies, mobility equipment, independent living aids for seniors, disability aids, rehab and therapy products and medical supplies.
We help NDIS-participants, aged care facilities, home care package providers, occupational therapists and allied health providers find the best solutions to solve their need.
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