Tips and Tricks for Living with Diabetes
Diabetes is a life-long condition that changes a person’s life.
It requires changing the way they eat and exercise. It also means performing blood sugar tests and possibly taking medication. When diabetes isn’t kept under control, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease and kidney damage. While diabetes does require a good deal of care, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make sure your aging relative with diabetes lives a better life. Here are some things that can make living with diabetes easier and keep older adults healthier.
Home Care Services in Winchester City VA: Living with Diabetes
Track How Activity Affects Them
Exercise is important to controlling blood sugar levels. The trick is to find the kind and amount of exercise that works best for your aging relative. One way to determine what’s best is to keep a detailed record of what kind of exercise the senior did, how long they did it, and the results of their blood sugar tests that day.
Be Consistent with Meals and Snacks
Sticking to an eating schedule can keep blood sugar from fluctuating. If your aging relative has type 2 diabetes, their liver may be unable to sense when there’s enough glucose in their blood. That makes it release more when the older adult skips a meal. Eating a carbohydrate can tell the liver not to send out glucose and result in lower blood sugar levels.
Purchase a Pedometer
Using a pedometer to measure steps can help the older adult to be more aware of how physically active they are. It can also motivate them to move more. Set goals for the number of steps they should take and make it a game to meet or beat the goal.
Make Ordering at a Restaurant Easier
It can be hard for diabetics to make healthy choices at a restaurant. One way to make it easier is to research menu options ahead of time. Stop at the restaurant to pick up a menu or look up the menu online. Then sit down and look over the menu for the healthiest options so the older adult can pick their meal ahead of time. It’s also a good idea for the senior to order first so they don’t feel tempted by what others order.
Enlist the Support of Elder Care
Elder care can make it easier for older adults to manage diabetes. Elder care providers can prepare healthy meals and snacks. They can also remind seniors to test their blood sugar and take medications. Elder care providers can also encourage your loved one to exercise more by taking walks with them or driving them to the gym or exercise class.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Winchester City, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Sources
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com
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