In our golden years, prioritizing health becomes increasingly important. One common health issue that impacts millions of older adults is diabetes. Whether you or a senior loved one is living with diabetes, understanding how it affects seniors is essential to maintaining good health and enjoying life to the fullest as you age.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how the body processes sugar for energy. Among seniors, type 2 diabetes is the most common form. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t produce enough of it.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetes in your senior years, including:
- A slower metabolism and less physical activity
- Weight gain and changes in body fat
- High resistance to insulin
- Other health issues or medications that impact blood sugar levels
Understand the Signs and Symptoms
Diabetes usually develops slowly, which is why recognizing the early signs is important. Common symptoms to look for include:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty or hungry
- Experiencing fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurry vision
- Cuts or wounds that take a long time to heal
- Unexplained weight loss
If you or your senior loved one is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider and consider a blood sugar test. When left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss, nerve damage, and foot infections. In older adults, it can also raise the risk of cognitive decline, falls, and depression.
Managing Diabetes at Kauhale Centerville
Fortunately, with proper care and healthy lifestyle habits, it’s possible to manage and even improve diabetes. At Kauhale Centerville, we offer comprehensive support for residents living with diabetes through:
- Balanced, nutritious meals tailored to help regulate blood sugar
- Regular opportunities for physical activity, including walking clubs, fitness classes, and chair exercises
- Medication management to ensure accurate and consistent dosing
- Ongoing education and support groups to keep residents informed and motivated
Other ways to support healthy living with diabetes include making consistent daily choices like monitoring blood sugar as advised, staying hydrated, and maintaining regular healthcare appointments.
Bottom line: With the right support, seniors can successfully manage diabetes and continue to enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle. At Kauhale, we’re committed to helping residents thrive with personalized care, wellness-focused programs, and a supportive environment. If you have questions about how our community supports residents living with diabetes, we’d be happy to chat with you. Contact Kauhale Centerville today or schedule a tour!
