Tips for Controlling Diabetes in the Elderly to Stay Healthy

Diabetes has become one of the main causes of declining health in the elderly. However, research states that diabetics or diabetics over 65 years of age can control diabetes with a better lifestyle. How to deal with diabetes in old age?

How to keep diabetes under control in the elderly

Diabetes control for each individual is different depending on the condition of the body and the severity of diabetes. You need to consult with a doctor to get the right treatment plan.

In general, the following are ways to manage diabetes in the elderly, including:

1. Check Blood Sugar Levels Periodically

Blood sugar that is too high or too low can be harmful to health. Therefore, the elderly need to check blood sugar levels regularly.

The doctor will help the patient to determine the timeframe for independent glucose checks and HbA1C tests, which are tests that are used to find out the average blood sugar in the 2-3 months before the test.

If patients can control their blood sugar without taking insulin, they may not need to have their blood checked as often as people who have poorly controlled diabetes.

Also Read: Prevent blood sugar from rising, these are breakfast tips for diabetics

2. Choosing a Healthy Diet

The food consumed can affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to choose foods that do not cause blood sugar spikes.

Elderly with diabetes need to reduce their intake of sugar from foods and drinks that are high in calories but low in nutrition, such as soft drinks and candy.

Choose foods that are full of nutrients and fiber such as vegetables and fruit. Consumption of foods with high fiber content, which is more than 50 grams per day can lower blood sugar.

The body will digest fiber slowly, so glucose will be absorbed slowly and blood sugar can be controlled.

3. Routine Sport

The elderly must stay active every day even if they only do light activities. This can improve overall health and help lower blood glucose.

Walking and other daily activities are recommended for someone over the age of 65. If you need help determining the right physical activity plan, you can consult with your doctor.

4. Take Medication Regularly

To keep blood sugar conditions stable, diabetics need to regularly take drugs prescribed by a doctor even if their body condition is fine.

If you feel side effects or have difficulty taking medication, immediately tell your doctor to get the right solution. What drugs are commonly prescribed by doctors? click here.

5. Routine Checking Conditions to Doctor

Type 2 diabetes can affect every part of the body, from the eyes to the feet. One of the most important ways to control diabetes is to have regular check-ups with your doctor. This step is done to prevent and detect any complications.

If you have just received a diagnosis of diabetes, it is best to have regular consultations every 3 months. When your health condition is stable, you can have a consultation every 6 months.

During routine check-ups, the doctor will do several blood tests, including HbA1C and cholesterol levels in the blood.

Once a year, the doctor needs to do an overall foot examination, kidney function tests, and eye tests. It is recommended that you have a dental check-up every 6 months. This examination aims to prevent severe complications in diabetes.

6. Quit smoking

Smoking can increase inflammation in the body. This inflammation occurs when cigarette smoke damages cells, causing swelling and interfering with cell function. When the body experiences inflammation, there will be insulin resistance.

This condition will certainly make diabetes more difficult to treat. People with diabetes who quit smoking have better control of their blood sugar. Research shows that insulin in smokers becomes more effective at lowering blood sugar after 8 weeks of quitting smoking.

Diabetes is a long-term condition, but with proper treatment, the effects can be minimized and insulin injection therapy avoided.

DoctorHealthy | © 2023 PT Media Kesehatan Indonesia. Copyright Protected