Helping Older Family Members Manage Diabetes

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 100 million Americans have diabetes, with 25% of them over the age of 65. There's no cure for the condition; however, the good news is that some of the symptoms can be reversed. Although there's no cure for Type 2 diabetes, studies show some people can reverse it, which benefits their overall health and lifestyle.

Diabetes makes other health problems even worse. Plus, diabetes can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, vision loss, mobility problems, and kidney disease. These health issues become more complicated combined with aging, often leading to a higher risk of long-term health care.

To manage and ultimately reverse the effects of Type 2 diabetes, individuals need to follow a healthy diet, exercise and take the medication prescribed by their physician. Monitoring glucose levels is another essential factor, which is made easier through the technological advances in this field. 

Monitoring Glucose 

Monitoring the glucose levels in the blood helps people living with diabetes assess their medication and dietary needs. It is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes.

By using a new Continuous Glucose Monitoring system (CGM), older adults won't have to remember to use the Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose tests (SMBG), which are often painful. The real-time test results are then sent directly to them or their caregivers and doctors. Needless to say, this has significantly improved the long-term management of Type 2 diabetes for seniors. 

The new CGM system involves wearing a very small device just underneath the skin. The information the device collects, including trends in glucose levels, is then assessed. The measurements are sent via Bluetooth to a display device or smartphone app, such as FreeStyle Libre and Veri. A senior's health care team can review these to adjust medication as necessary. 

Weight Management 

Obesity is one of the critical risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. The risk of diabetes is one reason why it is crucial to managing your weight if you are diagnosed with the condition or have prediabetes. 

Reversing Type 2 diabetes through weight management is possible, and following a low-carb, low-sugar diet can help with this. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the need for medication and also help to lower your blood sugar. 

If you are obese and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to go into remission if you lose weight steadily and safely. It will also lower your risk of the health complications associated with diabetes, including vascular disease, heart disease, and stroke. 

Making Healthy Food Choices 

When you live with Type 2 diabetes, it is vital to make healthy food choices and keep your intake of sugary, high-fat foods as low as possible. Cooking with fresh ingredients and plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best option, but this might not always be possible for older adults. 

There are plenty of meal services for those living independently that deliver nutritionally-balanced meals that just need to be heated up. For seniors buying ready meals from the grocery store, carefully check the ingredients, as many convenience foods contain high sugar levels. 

Diabetes must be carefully managed. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that can seriously impact your health. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes can even be reversed or, at least, better managed. 

Diabetes and Long-Term Care

Diabetes is associated with a significant increase in the amount of health problems and care required by older adults and increases the cost of long-term health care in any setting. Many individuals living in long-term health care facilities have Type 2 diabetes. Many people receiving in-home care also have the disease.

Care guidelines emphasize the need to individualize the care goals and treatments related to diabetes. Better management of the disease will improve the care recipient's overall health and quality of life. Experts say had the individual better managed their diabetes before their care situation, it would have been easier to manage.

If you have diabetes in your 40s or 50s, you would be well advised to take proactive steps with your health and retirement planning to avoid these pitfalls when you become older.

You can still obtain Long-Term Care Insurance if you have Type 2 diabetes; however, it must be well managed with stable A1C results. It is also better if you are a non-smoker and do not have other significant health issues in addition to diabetes.

A qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can assist you in finding the best insurance company that matches your age, health, and family history. Few financial advisors or general insurance agents have this knowledge. In addition, every insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines. Plus, premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. 

Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. A Long-Term Care Insurance policy will offer you guaranteed tax-free benefits, so you have the choice of quality care options, including in-home care. Plus, you will preserve your income and assets from the growing costs of long-term health care.