Caring for older people with diabetes requires special attention because the older individual is more likely to have other health problems and may be taking variety of different medications.
Older adults with diabetes are 15 times more suffer from depression than older adults who do not have diabetes.
Diabetes is a common problem in older adults. In a survey approximately 21% of individuals over 60-65 years of age have diabetes, and almost half of them have not been diagnosed. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between conditions that have been brought on by diabetes and those that are a normal part of the aging process. Older adults with diabetes are at serious risk for both acute and chronic micro-vascular and cardiovascular complications of the disease.
It should be kept in mind that symptom of diabetes in the elderly can be weight loss, incontinence, falls, behavioral changes and pain intolerance. Many patients have no symptoms and are admitted to the hospital with an acute diabetes emergency, like hyperosmolar coma.
You should be a good caretaker:
Buy a blood glucose meter which is easy to use, has a large display screen. If patient takes insulin then consider insulin pens instead of syringes because insulin pens are convenient to use.
Meals are provided to person on time but minimum amount of food is eaten. That meal should include carbohydrates or starches such as potatoes, rice, milk and fruit.
Learn all about diabetes and any additional medical conditions your loved on may have. Knowledge of the different types of the medications used in the treatment will aid the caregiver in preventing potentially serious complications from occurring. Some medicines may cause lowering of the blood sugar and some others do not.
Behavioral changes are the main indicator to know that something may be wrong with your family member's health.
Always talking with your older family member with a respectful attitude. They need more time to understand.
Make a meal plan that will not only appeal to your loved one's taste, but that will also be compatible with their diabetes care.
What is Hypoglycemia?
When the blood sugar level drops below 70mg/dl is called Hypoglycemia. An older person may not able to recognize the symptoms like nervous, seating, shakiness. This is the responsibility of caretaker to recognize these symptoms and quickly check the blood glucose level and give little bit sugar/2-3 glucose tablets or half a cup juice. Caretaker should rechecked the blood sugar level after 15 minutes.
What is Hyperglycemia?
When the blood sugar level rise above 200mg/dl is called Hyperglycemia. It normally rises after eating too many carbohydrates/infection/stress/missed medications. Thirst, tiredness, frequent urination and feel hungry are the symptoms of Hyperglycemia.
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