Stating Stats First
The population count of senior citizens in India is estimated to be approximately 138 million. Out of which about 60% of them are diagnosed with diabetes. The diabetes burden among the elderly in India weighs heavily in South India where Kerala accounts for 35%, followed by Pondicherry (28%), Goa (27%), and Tamil Nadu (25.5%). However, details on the quality and awareness of diabetes management among elders remain unanswered.
The Emerging Epidemic
Older adults present with either long-standing diabetes or elderly-onset diabetes. The metabolic alterations and ageing are mutually responsive in handling the food ingested and the blood glucose levels. Uncontrolled blood glucose gives rise to diabetes complications that further hamper their health. Diabetes takes a significant toll on the elder’s life quality among the other difficulties they juggle with. It also turns up the risks of geriatric syndromes namely dementia, depression, cognitive detriment, pain, polydrug use, physical disability, and more. Athulya brings in home nursing services that efficiently improve diabetes management.
10 Tips to Take Control of Blood Glucose Levels
Managing diabetes in older people varies across the spectrum based on their lifestyle, comorbidities, mental health, financial situation, and the social support they receive. There are key pointers to keep in mind while getting treated for diabetes. Ticking off the basics of diabetes management is the first, successful step towards controlling blood glucose levels.
- Track Levels Periodically: Checking random, pre, and post-meal blood glucose levels using a home-based device can help in understanding one’s glucose response and tracking their progress. Based on the doctor’s advice, getting diabetes-related lab tests like HbA1c gives a wider picture of one’s condition.
- Pursuing Prescriptions: Older individuals should be made aware of the importance of taking medications regularly. Skipping medicines or going overboard can provoke complications. Self-prescription is a big no for elders as it can induce drug interactions and lead to complications.
- Get that Vaccination Shot: Diabetes can spurt the risk for other illnesses. Ensure your elders get the vaccine shots as per the schedule. Pneumococcal, COVID-19, flu, hepatitis B, and shingles vaccines are commonly advised for older people with diabetes. It is advisable to consult the physician to know more about the vaccinations required.
- An Active Activity Status: Engaging in light-intensity exercises helps to improve insulin sensitivity. With ageing, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity decrease. While keeping the body active by increasing movement stimulates better usage of glucose and insulin, thereby helping in managing diabetes symptoms. Balance and strength training exercises also help to strengthen muscles and bones.
- Meal Plate vs Glucometer: The foods that go on the plate influences the readings on the glucometer. Consulting a dietitian and following a diabetes-friendly eating pattern is advisable. Generally, taking more proteins, fibre, and healthy fats help in diabetes management. The order of eating foods, and plating the meals in the right proportion can help a long way in keeping the glucose levels under normal.
- Control BP and Cholesterol levels: Poor control of blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels can stimulate the deterioration of heart health and weaken the blood vessels. Staying active and avoiding alcohol, high-sodium foods and saturated fats can be helpful in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Skip Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking not only hinders the control of blood glucose levels but also augments the risk for diabetes complications like diabetic retinopathy, heart failure, kidney disease, and nerve damage. It also increases the need for insulin to control glucose levels. Consuming high amounts of alcohol can alter the levels of blood glucose and affect liver and cholesterol levels.
- Prevent Hypo Episodes: Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose levels (<70mg/dL) pose equal risks as high blood glucose values. It can cause symptoms like dizziness, sweating, shakiness, unconsciousness, confusion, and headache. Taking medicines as per prescription and a healthy dietary pattern aids in preventing episodes of hypoglycemia.
- Examine Foot Health: Increased blood glucose levels reduce the blood flow to the lower extremities. Checking both feet for cuts, red patches, blisters, or calluses and treating them immediately is vital. Ensure to clean the feet daily and maintain good foot hygiene. Going barefoot outdoors is not advisable for elders.
- Stay Connected with Experts: It is crucial for elders that they stay connected with their doctors and team of caregivers at all times. It helps doctors to create personalized plans and provide suggestions based on their symptoms. Schedule regular check-ups with the physicians for better tracking of diabetes management.
A Last Look
India ranks second globally in the adult diabetes population. It’s high time now that we rank first in managing diabetes effectively. Along with the ten tips mentioned above, getting adequate rest, maintaining oral health, reducing stress, and sound mental wellness adds to the list. Staying aware of the importance of diabetes management and preventing complications is key for elders. The team of Diabetologists, Dietitians, Nurses, and other experts from our homecare services harmonise the betterment of the elder’s quality of life with evidence-based diabetes management. To learn more, kindly visit our homepage Athulya Home Care.
