Diabetes has become a common illness among those who are retirement aged. It is an ailment that results from glucose or blood sugar becoming excessively high. As time passes, it can lead to health problems like kidney issues, nerve damage, stroke, heart attack and eye problems, but below are some ways that assisted living in New Braunfels, TX helps residents manages it.
Wellness and Fitness
Physical fitness is a key component to managing diabetes successfully. In fact, failing to exercise is one of the reasons why people get diabetes in the first place. While those who are in their twenties, thirties and even forties can often get away with not exercising, by the time they reach their fifties and sixties decades of inactivity will begin to take its toll.
It’s after retirement that some people tend to gain considerable weight, and a clear link has been found between diabetes and obesity. Retirement communities provide fitness centers with equipment and onsite therapists who will encourage residents to exercise regularly as doing so controls the blood sugar levels, and the cells will have greater insulin sensitivity which will make them function more effectively while simultaneously reducing their bloodstream sugar levels.
Dietary Management
The food you eat will play a crucial role in successfully managing diabetes, which is why retirement communities prioritize the preparation of healthy meals. Their dietitians work alongside professional chefs to cook nutrient packed meals that not only taste great, but which are low in calories and free of artificial sweeteners such as vegetables, lean protein, fruit and whole grains.
Continuous Health Monitoring
Even if residents are eating right and exercising, they must still be regularly monitored for potential complications. One basic tool that retirement community team members use is the A1C test. This is a type of blood exam that will measure a resident’s blood sugar average for the previous three months. It is distinct from the sugar blood checks which will be conducted daily.
The A1C test is essential as it helps diabetes patients learn more about their blood sugar over a set period of time. These numbers should never become elevated, as a higher blood sugar level might harm the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, heart and feet. When you take the A1C test, you ideally want a score that is less than seven. If its higher this means you’ve got work to do.
Additional Tasks
Once residents are eating right, exercising and being regularly monitored, additional tasks they must perform daily to properly manage their diabetes include:
- Taking diabetes medications on schedule and in the proper dosage
- Monitor the feet for red spots, blisters, swelling or cuts. Any sores that don’t heal naturally should be investigated
- Brush and floss daily to ensure the gums, mouth and teeth are clean
- Quite smoking or chewing tobacco
Keeping track of your blood sugar each day is a must. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor or community team members, and if you notice any health changes, be sure to report it.
