Type 2 Diabetes and seniors is a serious health issue. In the United States about one in four seniors over the age of 60 have diabetes. In time as the body ages, it often either produces less insulin or the body will use insulin less effectively. A seniors level of blood sugar can become imbalanced. There are many risks to diabetes and seniors. The following info graph will point out some of the most prominent risks.

Warning Signs of Diabetes

Loving Hearts Home Care staff are trained to recognize warning signs of diabetes. Listed are some of the warning signs.

• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Blurred Vision
• Nausea
• Extreme Hunger or Thirst
• Irritability or anxiety
• Shaking
• Fast or erratic heartbeat
• Feeling tired or weak
• Repeated Urination

Loving Hearts Home Care can provide staff to take an active role in your loved ones diabetic care.

Staff can provide:

• Assistance following diet or medication plan
• Reminders of monitoring blood glucose levels
• Coordinate meal plans
• Meal Prep
• Provide encouraging reminders to exercise if physically possible.
• Circulatory needs
• Treatment of foot and skin issues

 The Plate Method

How can a person easily tell how much food he or she should be eating at a sitting?  People with Type 2 Diabetes and seniors can use the plate method that is recommended by the The American Diabetes Association. For the plate method, food can be piled  (on a 9 inch plate) as thick as a deck of playing cards. Take a plate and draw an imaginary line down the middle. Then, on one side cut it again info two sections. Fill the largest section with non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, salad, green beans, etc.  In the smaller sections is where starchy foods such as rice, corn, potatoes should be placed. The last small section is for meat, eggs, fish or tofu. Lastly, add one small piece of fruit and a 8 oz glass of milk ( if you can not drink milk, you can add a light yogurt, a small roll or an extra piece of  fruit.)

Wanting to see if your at risk for Type 2 Diabetes?  Click on the American Diabetes Association test.

Photo Credit:RobinEllisActor via photopin cc

Loving Hearts Home Care – Erie PA 16506 – 814-836-1147

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