The American Diabetes Association
(ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care
and treatment, it can be effectively managed.
We know the risk of getting type
2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show more than 25% of
seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease. Also as we age, the risk of complications
increases.
Along with your health care provider,
organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips
and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay
complications. Also even if you do not
have the disease, it is still a good idea to education yourself to try and
prevent the onset.
The ADA recommends the following suggestions
for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes. Their first recommendation is to keep your
blood glucose levels under control. Know
your target range and check your levels daily or as recommended by your
doctor. In addition make the appropriate
changes to your diet to not only lower your blood glucose, but to lower your
risk for heart disease.
Another important part of living with
diabetes is to work to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the normal
ranges. Many of the same lifestyle
changes we do to control blood glucose can help control blood pressure. The ADA advises that “people with diabetes
keep their blood pressure below 140/80, but check with your health care
professional about what target is best for you.” Along with medications, you can lower your cholesterol
by eating a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising.
You can also manage your diabetes better
if you stop smoking. We recognize that smoking
is bad for everyone but it is far worse for those with diabetes. Finally if you increase your physical
activity, you will gain more strength and energy and be better able to manage
your blood glucose as well as help to lower your blood pressure.
This post is for informational
purposes only. Please consult your
medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions.
MorningStar at Arrowhead represents
the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve,
to invest.” We have built our foundation
on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to
serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To
experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us
to schedule a tour.
Sources:diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/seniors/?referrer=https://www.google.com/
diabetesstopshere.org/2013/09/06/seniors-with-diabetes-take-control-of-your-health/
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