4 Simple Ways to Prevent Diabetes in Older Adults

Adults over the age of 65 are at greater risk for developing diabetes. The experts at Coast Care Partners, a reputed agency that provides the best at- home care La Mesa has to offer, share a few tips on how to prevent diabetes in the elderly.  

1. Focus on Weight Management 

Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes. Discuss strategies with the doctor to help your loved one lose weight if necessary. For the best results, encourage your loved one to focus on gradual weight loss, which is more likely to last, and avoid fad diets since fasting can affect blood sugar. After achieving his or her ideal weight, your loved one should continue to practice the new healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes in the future. 

2. Encourage Regular Exercise 

Physical activity burns fat and calories, regulates blood sugar, and helps with weight maintenance. If your loved one has been sedentary or has limited mobility, work with his or her medical team to develop a safe exercise plan. For older adults, it is best to begin with short workouts and work up to longer ones as the body adjusts. Your loved one may also need assistance to perform the exercise routine. Watch out for signs your loved one needs help, such as difficulty maintaining balance, so you can arrange for someone to accompany him or her during workouts. 

3. Initiate a Healthy Diet 

People often focus on what they shouldn’t eat when they want to prevent diabetes. While your loved one should avoid eating too many carbohydrates or drinking sugary beverages, he or she should also plan healthy meals to prevent diabetes. For example, high-fiber meals help seniors stay full longer so they are less likely to eat an unhealthy snack. Whole grains can also regulate blood sugar to prevent swinging from one extreme to another. Seniors who crave sweets can incorporate healthier options into their diets. For example, a small portion of fruit could satisfy a sweet tooth. 

4. Ask the Physician About Screenings 

Seniors can be screened to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. As a general rule, older adults who are overweight should be screened. However, your loved one may also need to be screened if he or she has a family history of diabetes or exhibits any of the symptoms. Often, doctors can catch diabetes in the earliest stages and prevent it from becoming more serious. If your loved one is diagnosed with prediabetes, encourage him or her to take it seriously, and find out how you can help. For example, seniors with prediabetes are sometimes prescribed medications. You can help your loved one set up a medication management plan that keeps his or her blood sugar under control. Older adults can reduce their risk for developing serious health issues by opting for professional in-home care. When it comes to high-quality elderly home care, La Mesa families trust Coast Care Partners. We are a leading caregiver agency with several years of experience in the home care industry. Our experts can create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your elderly loved one that includes meal prep, assistance with exercise, and other options. To talk to one of our home care experts, give us a call at 619-354-2544 today.