Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels, become too elevated. A patient with this condition needs to manage their insulin and blood sugar levels regularly. The proper medication and healthcare practices are a must for a patient with diabetes to live normally.
While many complications may affect a person with diabetes, the good news is that they are manageable. A healthy lifestyle and finding the right caregiver will make a massive difference in the quality of life in a diabetes patient. Suppose you have a loved one who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes. In that case, this blog post will share some vital information on this medical condition and how patients and their family members can manage it effectively.
Diabetes: What It Is and Good Disease Management Tips
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their body has lost the ability to use insulin to control their blood sugar levels. If there is an imbalance of the insulin hormone or if it is not used effectively, the rise in glucose levels may cause damage to the internal organs.
Diabetes in Older People
While diabetes may affect people in any age group, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as people get older. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes that develops in older patients.
It will be more likely for you to develop this type of diabetes if you have a family history of diabetes. Other factors may include being 45 years old or older, being overweight, or if you experienced having higher-than-normal blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Older People
It may be challenging to identify diabetes in older people because the typical signs of aging may mask the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Also, mild to moderately raised blood sugar levels may not cause symptoms.
The well-known symptoms of diabetes are the passing of urine, feeling excessively thirsty, feeling exhausted, and being lethargic. These symptoms may be attributed to the normal aging process. This is why diabetes in older people may remain undiagnosed until damage has already been done.
Undiagnosed Diabetes Complications
If you, or anyone you love, are experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes mentioned above, it is a good idea to see your doctor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible. Getting an official diagnosis will help you avoid unnecessary complications that will accompany undiagnosed diabetes.
If abnormally high insulin levels are left unchecked, it may cause damage to almost every organ in the body. Artery damage, kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, eye damage, and nerve damage are only some of the severe complications that can arise because of undiagnosed diabetes in older people.
Conclusion
Working with the right doctor and finding the right home health management provider will go a long way in the proper management of diabetes. A good provider will ensure that your loved one’s blood sugar levels are constantly monitored and regulated. Caregivers will also be able to identify diabetes-related diseases, follow a specialized diet plan, and manage the disease as a whole.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes and needs home care, contact Gateway Home Health and Hospice. Our highly trained clinicians and therapists strive to exceed the expectations of our patients, families, caregivers, and physicians. Get the best in terms of home care services by getting in touch with us today!