Enjoying Vibrant Senior Years With Diabetes

With proper care and good health habits, people with diabetes can enjoy full and happy lives. Close attention to diet, exercise and monitoring of blood sugar levels can extend a diabetic's life and lay the groundwork for good care in the senior years. This is very important because diabetes that is improperly managed can cause many complications for seniors. Among these respiratory illness, kidney disease and cardiovascular difficulties. In this article, we will discuss the extra steps that are important for all seniors with diabetes to observe.

Maintain a regular schedule of waking and sleeping. This will help you stay active and engaged in the world and ensure that you are getting plenty of restorative rest every day. Paying close attention to your overall health will help you keep your diabetes under control.

Be sure to continue to eat well. Eating a regular, balanced whole food diet is very important for diabetics. It is essential to keep blood sugar levels stable. If you are having problems getting out to go shopping or preparing your own meals, consult with your area agency on aging to find out about transportation services and meal delivery services for seniors that may make it easier for you to get good food into your home.

Drink plenty of pure, fresh water. Many seniors find that they do not feel as thirsty as they once did. Neglecting hydration is a big problem for seniors in general, and it can cause extra problems for seniors with diabetes in terms of glucose buildup in the blood stream and kidney failure.

Maintain a healthy weight and stay active. Your body will regulate insulin better if you are neither underweight nor overweight. Additionally, staying active for good blood circulation will help keep your blood sugar levels on an even keel. You do not have to participate in calisthenics. Gentle walking, stretching or using a cycling device while you sit in your favorite chair are just a few of the exercise options that may work for you.

Learn about any and all assistance with health care that may be available to you. Be sure to get regular screenings for common illnesses, have your vision checked annually and see your doctor for a physical every year.

Be sure to have your hearing checked every year. Seniors with diabetes are far more likely to suffer hearing loss than those who do not have diabetes. Even if you do not feel you are losing your hearing, be sure your doctor performs a hearing screening every year when you go for your physical.

Make good use of adaptive devices. For example, if it is difficult for you to read the numbers on your blood glucose meter, look into getting one that has larger numbers or even one that will read the numbers aloud to you. If affording this sort of equipment is difficult for you, consult with your area agency on aging to see if there are resources available to help you purchase the equipment you need.

When you take care to maintain good health habits, eat well, stay active and keep up good communication with your doctor, you will have little trouble keeping your diabetes under control. By staying involved in life and keeping up on the various types of services and adaptive equipment that may be available, you can continue to live a full and vibrant senior life with diabetes.