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Are Seniors More Likely to Develop Diabetes?

It might seem as if seniors are more likely to develop diabetes than younger people. But are there reasons that might be true?
24-hour home care supports seniors managing diabetes risks at home safely

Health changes are extremely common among aging adults, but one they may want to avoid is diabetes. Seniors may be more at risk for diabetes than they realize, which is why it’s so important for seniors and family members to understand the risk factors of diabetes as well as the early symptoms of the condition. Support from 24-hour home care providers can make coping with diabetes easier and safer for aging adults.

 

Seniors Tend to Move Less

One reason seniors may be more likely to develop diabetes is decreased physical activity. They might have mobility problems, chronic pain, or changes to their routines that cause them to reduce their activity levels.

Encouraging physical activity, even if it’s just chair exercises, can make a big difference for seniors in reducing their diabetes risk factors.

 

Organs Are Less Efficient

Internal organ systems don’t always continue to work as well as they did when seniors were younger. Organs like the pancreas are critical for regulating glucose levels because they produce insulin.

Over time, seniors may find that their bodies become more insulin-resistant, leaving more glucose in the bloodstream rather than in the body’s cells for energy. These changes leave seniors more susceptible to diabetes.

 

Other Health Issues Contribute

If seniors have multiple health issues, like high blood pressure or heart disease, they may also have a bigger chance of developing diabetes. Medications that help manage other health issues can also affect blood sugar levels. Coordinating care, tracking medication side effects, and keeping all healthcare providers informed are important parts of the puzzle when it comes to diabetes.

24-hour home care providers can help family caregivers keep track of what’s happening every day.

 

Dehydration Plays a Role

Seniors are especially prone to dehydration. If they’re not drinking enough fluids, they can quickly become dehydrated, which raises blood sugar. As seniors age, they’re less likely to recognize thirst, which complicates things even more. Encouraging consistent hydration is an easy way to support consistent blood sugar levels and overall health.

24-hour home care providers can make sure that seniors hydrate throughout the day, starting right after they wake up.

 

Too Much Stress

Most people are aware of how stress affects people emotionally, but it also affects physical health. When seniors are stressed, their cortisol levels increase, which can also increase blood sugar levels.

There are plenty of reasons for seniors to experience stress, ranging from health issues to worries about independence and other life changes. Creating a safe and supportive environment makes it easier for seniors to reduce stress and hopefully avoid a variety of health problems, including diabetes.

 

Aging brings risks for all sorts of health issues, and unfortunately, that can also include diabetes. As seniors learn to cope with changes in their blood sugar levels, 24-hour home care providers can be there for them, assisting with lifestyle changes and helping them take small steps that make a difference.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care in Del Mar, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)

Canaan Home Care Staff

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